Focusing on the cultivation, conversion, associated products and sustainability of algae within the biomass industry the event attracted interest from well over a hundred people across the four sessions held during the day.

“A lot of people found the mini-conference informative and helpful,” said Dr Darren Oatley-Radcliffe, one of the chairs on the day and a member of the event’s science board.

“The event enabled a lot of attendees to broaden their understanding and knowledge of the potential for using algae within the biomass industry. The talks focussed on algae production and then different methodologies for downstream processing and product development. The information provided allowed real insight into the great work being carried out by scientists and engineers from the algae sector and many delegates left the event enthused about what they had seen and heard.

“In the session I chaired, looking at the sustainability and economics of the algae industry, we had a series of very informative talks. Most notable for me was that from Rommie van der Weide (Wageningen) who discussed algae cultivation using digestate materials as nutrients. This work highlighted the integration of algae technology to existing waste treatment processes to facilitate maximum cost benefits. The work was a real winner and demonstrates the innovative thinking that is needed to make a real impact.”

EnAlgae was also represented throughout the four day conference by a stand at the exhibition allowing the opportunity for more people to become familiar with the project.

The Algae Event mini symposium featured more than 20 talks on topics which can be viewed by visiting http://www.algae-event.com/cms/index.php?page=program

The event itself was organised by EU BC&E, EnAlgae and RE-CORD.

Pictured: Dr Darren Oatley-Radcliffe, College of Engineering, Swansea University and Graham Nelson, Swansea University.