Algae Biorefinery

About

The 4th edition of the advanced biorefinery course is aimed at designing optimal multi-product algae-based biorefinery processes. The topic will span from unit operations to the entire process chain, for both research and commercial applications, with emphasis on current bottlenecks. This edition will focus on both micro- and macroalgae (seaweed), with parallels being drawn between the processing of these substrates and additional ones such as industrial agri-food sidestreams. The course will consist of lectures from academic and industrial experts, case studies and practicals.

Algae, both microalgae and macroalgae, are considered promising feedstock for a variety of applications: food, feed, chemicals, materials and energy. The advantages of this feedstock include a wide variety of potential products, sustainability, high areal productivity in comparison to terrestrial crops, and lack of competition for land that is suitable for agriculture. On the other hand, algae are a relatively costly biomass source, certainly for more bulk products. In addition to cost-price reduction needed for the production / cultivation (e.g. by increasing the scale of sourcing), the biomass value should be maximized by realisation of biorefinery concepts generating multiple value-added products.

Thus to develop a more sustainable and economically feasible process, all major biomass components (e.g. proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) should be used at minimal energy requirements and costs while maintaining the functionality of the different biomass components. Biorefining of algae is a key step for the selective separation and use of the functional biomass components. For those who want to learn more about microalgae feedstock, directly after this course, the “Microalgae Process Design: from cells to photobioreactors” summer school is organised, also held at WUR. These courses together provide a comprehensive understanding of the entire microalgae process chain. When taking both courses we can offer a reduction in total course fee

Course leader

Dr Iulian Boboescu, Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research & Dr Wouter Huijgen, Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research

Target group

The course is aimed at PhD candidates, postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, as well as professionals, that would like to acquire a thorough understanding of algal biorefinery. An MSc level in (bio)process technology, or alike, is recommended

Course aim

This course provides the essential skills for designing optimal algae-based multi-product biorefineries, from unit operations to the entire process chain and for being able to address the present bottlenecks in the process chain. In addition, several speakers from academia and industry will highlight the industrial/economic framework of algae biorefinery. Furthermore, parallels will be made with existing biorefineries as well as other emerging biomass sources such as agricultural and food processing side-streams

Fee info