LIFE Biomass C+ project develops alternative biofuel feedstocks

In Belgium, the team behind LIFE Biomass C+ has developed a new way of producing sustainable biofuel. Instead of land, they used existing and underused infrastructure and water resources. They grew an aquatic plant called the southern cattail in channels, ponds, and lagoons. These water bodies contained wastewater from various industries and farms.  

The team used innovative green technology to grow the plants: green floating filters. These filters cause fewer CO2 emissions than growing traditional fuel crops like wheat or corn. They improve water quality as they absorb heavy metals and other pollutants. The filtering process also boosts biodiversity. The plants are not for human consumption, so they don’t compete with food crops.  

Plant roots and rhizomes, which were grown in Greece and Spain, have successfully been converted into bioethanol which was found to be of high purity and met European standards.