Algae Event 2014: Providing a better understanding on how algae fit into the current biomass industry and how they could contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy in the future

Both macro- and microalgae are increasingly being considered as a useful source of biomass for a number of industrial purposes. The aim of this one day event will be to get a better understanding on how algae fit into the current biomass industry and how they could contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy in the future. Therefore technological but also legislative bottlenecks should be addressed.

Discussions will be focussed around the following key questions and bottlenecks. These are provided as a guide and are not limiting.

• How does ‘farming’ algae compare and fit with other agricultural crop production?
• Algal biomass cultivation – which fitting technology fits with which application?
• Large scale algal biomass conversion methods – which are economically viable and energy efficient?
• Algae in wastewater treatment – bioremediation – is this the future for algae?
• Which are the most likely industrial applications?
• Which algal biofuels have a future?
• What are the options for algal biorefineries?
• What are the impacts on the environment and how do these compare to other biomass crops?
• How might legislation impact on the growth of the algal industry?