Progress and Deliverables
The project is progressing as planned, with key developments in KPI analysis, microalgae cultivation requirements, and the biorefinery model.
WP1: Successfully managed consortium meetings and delivered key project and data management documents, completed on schedule without deviations.
WP4: Completed on time, meeting all objectives. KPIs were confirmed, additional ones developed, and requirements for microalgae selection, cultivation, and the photobioreactor defined. The biorefinery model has been further developed.
Microalgae Selection and Cultivation
WP5: Two microalgal species were selected among a shortlist of industrially relevant strains: Stichococcus sp. (polysaccharides producer for Case Study I, CSI) and Chlorella vulgaris (lipids producer for Case Study II, CSII), ensuring high productivity and resilience to industrial off-gases. CO2 tolerance of the selected species was improved up to 30%, and lab-scale photobioreactor (PBR) cultivation conditions were optimized via Design of Experiments (DoE) for scalability, biomass production, and biochemical yields. High-cell density biomass (>4 g/L) has been achieved, enabling future pilot-scale validation.
Method Development and Application
Progress in identifying suitable chemical compounds and applying advanced methods to microalgae, with ongoing biomass analysis.
WP6: Effective lipid and polysaccharide extraction achieved, optimizing process conditions for better recovery. Scalability validation under industrial conditions is ongoing.
Catalyst Design and Reaction Optimization
WP8: Catalysts were designed, characterized, and optimized using model compounds. No delays are expected in meeting project objectives.
Sensor Design and Modeling
WP10: Optical and spectroscopic sensors were developed and tested for real-time microalgae monitoring (flow microscopes, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy), with calibration models in progress. CFD-RSM modeling and process integration into the digital twin are advancing in collaboration with technology partners.
LCA Analysis
WP13: The preliminary LCA model for Advanced Liquid Biofuel production has been created, with impacts calculated. Optimization using plant-wide model results will define baseline cases of the non-optimized concept. Notably, during the PBR stage, more CO2 is captured than emitted, with expected GHG reductions of up to 40% after process optimization.
Dissemination and Exploitation
WP15: Communication and dissemination efforts have maximized project visibility through key events, publications, and stakeholder engagement. Exploitation strategies are being developed with partners to facilitate commercialization pathways.
