The two-day event was an opportunity to brief MEPs and other stakeholders on the progress of this project, established in March 2011, in developing sustainable technologies for algal biomass production, bioenergy, and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation.

The EnAlgae project, which will run initially until 2015, is seeking to make these technologies both economically viable and environmentally sustainable, with a long term vision of being able to roll out the production and use of algal biomass commercially across the NWE region and beyond.

EnAlgae draws on expertise from nineteen partner organisations based in seven EU member states and is led by Swansea University. It aims to overcome cost and access barriers through the sharing of best practice and new breakthroughs over nine pilot projects.‌‌

Commenting on the Strasbourg Reception, Project Director Dr Robin Shields, Swansea University, said: “The European Commission is investing substantially in algae biotechnology via the Framework 7 Programme.

"Thanks to the EnAlgae project, INTERREG IVB North West Europe provides a crucial regional context to this sector in order to create opportunities for future renewable energy development across the region.

"As an important part of stakeholder engagement, this reception offers us the chance to update MEPs on our progress to date in the EnAlgae Project and to encourage their involvement moving forwards. With properly directed research and development, algal biotechnology has the potential to contribute significantly to the European bioenergy market and all the EnAlgae partners are very positive about the potential for the future.”

Picture: (left to right) Richard Ashworth MEP. Robin Shields EnAlgae Director and Shaun Richardson EnAlgae Project Manager. 

For more information on the EnAlgae project go to : www.enalgae.eu