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Estonian, Icelandic, and Azorean scientists are exploring the potential of cultivating and utilizing algae
Estonian University of Life Sciences, a research-based biotechnology company Power Algae, in collaboration with Icelandic research institution Matís and University of the Azores in Portugal, are looking into ways of using algae in circular bioeconomy as part of the BlueBio project.
According to Timo Kikas, Chair Professor of Biosystems Engineering at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, flue gases are used as a food source for algae both in the university's laboratory and by project partners on the Azores Islands. “Estonia is a country where heat and electricity are still produced through large-scale combustion processes, and solutions are needed to control carbon dioxide emissions. Microalgae can rapidly sequester substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, making it a potential solution to this issue,” said Professor Kikas.
The algae, nourished with flue gases, is subsequently utilized in the production of fish feed. At this very moment, in autumn 2023, the project partner in Iceland is initiating the feeding of juvenile trout and salmon with this feed. Subsequent laboratory tests will examine the impact of this food on the fish. “The results of the project might provide insight into whether the yield from large-scale microalgae production could also be a suitable food source for humans at the top of the food chain," explained Professor Kikas.
At the end of August, there was a consortium meeting at the University in Tartu, where the current status of the project was reviewed. Vítor Manuel da Costa Gonçalves, Associate Professor at the University of the Azores, said at the meeting that, thanks to the different experiences, skills, and areas of expertise among project partners, the collaboration has been very good. The effectiveness of the project also arises from the fact that the test bases are located both in the northern and central parts of the Atlantic Ocean.
The BlueBio project 'Microalgae in IT' started in 2021 and will end in 2024. The implementation of the project is supported by the Horizon Europe program.