Technical achievements:
The ponds were completely renewed, and additional 5 ponds were built. The concept of the open ponds changed to walled superstructure. Reliability and stability tests and corrections were done to arrive to the final product.
- Automatic monitoring system was built, and the control algorithms were defined. A complete system was developed, built up and demonstrated in the test greenhouse. An online CRM and monitoring system developed, and reliability testing was done.
- Upscale the technology and connect with composter - completed
- Build 3 new pilot/demonstration plants – completed – 5 new were built and the old pond was renewed.
- We reached 2-3 g/l concentration due to optimization of the operation, high production yield and efficiency.
- We found algae species most suitable as possible effective bio fertilizers for vegetables.
- We created the knowledge base helping the end-user farmers to select the most suitable algae bio fertilizer for a given vegetable species, and further to suggest the optimal conditions for the growth of the selected algae species. The measurement data acquisition went well, and conclusions were formulated based on measurement data.
- We optimized algae based nutrients for onion, garlic, celery, parsley, wheat and sunflower.
- We improved the delivery system for irrigating algae based fertilizer and studied the possible formulation methods for algae bio fertilizer that can be spread on lands using existing devices
- We successfully carried out field tests with the produced algae on vegetable lands and demonstrated the productivity and pricing advantages compared to traditional fertilizers and commercial bio fertilizers on the market. We get outstanding results with reduced fertilizer test that cost 30% less compared to conventional fertilizers and also increased the productivity by 10-15% (depending on the vegetable type)
Commercial achievements
- The general design of the algae production system that can be easily installed at any farm, with corresponding use cases as examples. We made a 25 m3 pond system for 12.000 € selling price (including essential sensor system for 2.000 € + hardware and built up for 6.000 €), and made a fully automated with “all parameter detection” sensor equipped system for 21.000 € (including a 8.000 € sensor system + hardware and built up for 6.000 €) with 33% target profit margin in both cases. To keep the seasonal operation costs of the 25 m3 production pond under 350 € is verified.
-A Business Plan incorporating a detailed commercialization strategy and a financing plan in view of market launch was prepared.
- Marketing and dissemination actions were done including an extensive Dissemination and Communication Plan promoting the project and its findings during the period of the grant. We included establishment of a commercial web page and described how to facilitate the knowledge/technology transfer to farmers all over Europe. The dissemination strategy includes workshops, conference presentations, specialized magazines/journal publications, and personal meetings with farmers and cooperatives.
