The BioWALK4Biofuels Project (B4B) aimed to develop an alternative and innovative system for the treatment of biowaste and to use GHG emissions to produce second generation biofuels, using macroalgae as a catalyser, in a multidisciplinary approach. The project, seeking for a synergy between biowaste and macroalgae for a clean biogas production, allows to by-pass the high nitrogen content problem of biowaste: in fact macroalgae, needing nitrogen and phosphate to grow, represent an optimal interface, capable to transform the negative eutrophication potential of such a biowaste in a benefit, in terms of increasing algae growth-rate. In the project demonstration area (Augusta Bay, Sicily, Italy) an algae cultivation system was realized together with a biogas production plant. In addition, the relationship between growth and energy potential of selected species with the amounts/characteristic of GHG emissions and biowaste introduced in the cultivation medium is to be studied.

Poroject Lead: Universita Degli Studi Di Roma la Sapienza

Region: Europe

Country: Italy

City/Town: Sicilia

Timeline Start - End: 2010-01-04 - 2015-03-31

Project Status: Completed

Project Budget: 4077440.52 €

Funding source: 71% EU (FP7-Energy)

Website: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/94338/en

Activities:

- Research (CCU)

- Life cycle assessment (LCA)

- Environmental assessment

CO2 Source: CO2 from biowaste

CCU Tecnology Category: Utilization

Info On Utilization:

- Biological conversion

Facility stage: Operational

End TRL: 7

CO2 capture/Utilization:

Production Volume: 40 Nm3 of biogas/h

Product Categories:

- Fuels

- Biomass

Specific Product(s): Macro-algae produced biomethane