EU-funded BIOFAT project looks to tackle sustainability of algae for biofuel production

In Italy and Portugal, half-hectare pilot projects for algae production were set up under the European Union-funded BIOFAT project and a 10-hectare facility is now under development. The project that runs through April 2016 is putting a major focus on environmental and economic sustainability, attempting to further refine aspects of these issues that have been challenges to algae’s commercial uptake as a biofuel feedstock. The entire value chain is examined as part of the project from feedstock production and harvesting to processing and testing in applications.