Unlocking the potential of algae for a thriving European blue bioeconomy

The farm production of micro- and macro-algae is one of the most promising emerging ocean sectors. Algae can be developed and processed into an almost endless number of products, enabling a shift to aquatic biomass production and reducing the pressure on plant biomass derived from agriculture and forestry. Total algae production in the EU increased by 76% between 2006 and 2016.

EU policy is set to unlock the versatility and potential of algae. The European Green Deal and the farm to fork strategy support the role of algae in the protein transition and its contribution to a sustainable food system. Moreover, the 2018 EU bioeconomy strategy stresses the potential of algae as a source of innovative aquatic bio-based products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and fine and speciality chemicals. The integrated processing of algae offers an interesting way to exploit, profitably and sustainably, most or all of its potential, by recovering and separating the biomass components and by minimising waste production.

Applicants should carry out activities along the following lines of research:

• Demonstrate viable concepts to enable the cost-effective cultivation and processing of algae into circular bio-based products and/or environmental services (e.g. medical, cosmetics, fine and speciality chemicals, remediation). The integration with food/feed production or with other processes (such as water treatment, crop and livestock farms and carbon sequestration) could be considered if it adds to the economic, environmental and social viability of the whole concept.
• Scale-up the production of algae products and bring them closer to market by addressing key challenges such as (i) optimising strains’ biology (including if relevant associated microbiomes) and the mechanisms regulating cell performance for rapid growth and high yields of novel valuable compounds; (ii) pest and disease control; (iii) standardising the product and production lines; (iv) post-harvest treatment and storage; (v) assessing risks of escape of propagules with the potential to affect local genetic biodiversity; and (vi) securing the safety of the selected applications. The efficiency and capacity of production systems should also be improved. Demonstrate downstream processing and fractionation of components that enable the practical implementation of multiproduct algal biorefineries.
• Establish European strategic development plans for the proposed algae farming that address biodiversity and ecosystems considerations. Key factors such as the carrying capacity of the European seas and the availability and use of land/light/energy should be considered; Provide estimates of the market demand for algae products and of the market structure.
• Quantified assessment of environmental benefits and risks of algae farming and products, including a comparison with land-based products. Assessment of possible ecosystem services of algae farming.

Strong weight is placed on industrial leadership in the projects. The emphasis should be on the delivery of tangible social and environmental benefits. Successful proposals should carry out a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the proposed concept. Efforts should be dedicated to improve the professional skills and competences of those working and being trained to work in algae farming (e.g. through the development of training material).

Where relevant, proposals may seek synergies and capitalise on the results of projects funded under Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, its continuation European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, and other funding streams.

Cooperation with other selected proposals under this topic and complementary topics included in this work programme is encouraged. This notably includes other algae-relevant topics “HORIZON-CL6-CIRCBIO-02-04-two-stage: Photosynthesis revisited: climate emergency, “no pollution and zero-emission” challenge and industrial application” and “HORIZON-CL6-2022-FARM2FORK-02-05-two-stage: Innovative food from marine and freshwater ecosystems”.