Algae culturing at pulp- and paper industries for sustainable production of bio-oil

Purpose and goal

The project aim was to build a test site for cultivation of microalgae at a pulp- and paper industry, Nordic Paper in Bäckhammar, and this has been fulfilled. Algae biomass was cultivated in ponds using the waste resources flue gas and excess heat from the industry during a three year period. The overall objective to produce algae biomass and obtain knowledge about algae cultivation in real practice close to a paper industry has been reached. Data on sustainable outdoor biomass production plus oil quality and its´ use has been collected.

Expected results and effects

The test site worked well and algae biomass and bio oil has been produced during three seasons. The harvesting process was minimized and the design of the cultivation process resulted in a positive energy balance for the biomass production. The production was also higher per area compared to rapeseed at the same latitude. The project recieved a lot of attention in public media. There is industrial interest in the algae oil and the use of waste resources. A continued project is proposed as two parts - one for knowledge and operation of the test site and one for production of a commercial product.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consortium consisted of 14 partners; 4 from academia/institute, 7 from industry and 3 from society. The coordinator was research based and the cooperation based on a project agreement and 9 work packages. The work has proceeded according to what was planned. Cooperation has worked well with active partners now interested in continuing the project. A coordinating partner who is situated geographically close to the test site is now searched for. Increased industrial participation and financing would ease the test site operation in the next project phase.