Algen

AlgEn is a micro SME specialized in development and system integration of algae technology based systems providing consulting and engineering services. Main activities include pilot and prototype scale algal biomass production and algal-bacterial wastewater treatment, particularly biogas digestate. AlgEn was established in 2010 by four partners. Annual turnover for 2013 was close to 150 k€. Internal biobased production was limited to a Spirulina test production in 2012 (600 m2) and algal (or algal bacterial) biomass production in pilot and demonstration waste water treatment plants. Present R&D is focused on biogas digestate treatment using algal bacterial process for recycling nutrients, CO2 and producing algal biomass for various uses, including biogas feedstock. This is the core of the AlgaeBioGas project (http://algaebiogas.eu/) which is an Eco-innovation pilot and market replication project. AlgEn operates a modestly equipped lab for photobioreactor testing, culture growth and analysis. Some pilot plant construction and operation is facilitated by own electronics and mechanical workshop, with many activities also outsourced to partners. Some software development is done in-house. AlgEn is strongly connected to many academic and commercial institutions and is interested in cooperation. Occasionally AlgEn hosts educational activities connected to algae technology. Future plans include: • active participation in the research area of algal technology • market algal-bacterial treatment of biogas digestate and feedstock production • renewed (moved) algae production for human consumption (including, but not limited to Spirulina) that will be organized with partners. This facility will also aim to higher value products, like phycocyanin from Arthrospira, astaxantin from Haematococcus and carotenoids from Dunaliella.