cycling is a European project whose objective is to create a biorefinery in which all the necessary processes are developed and validated to be able to produce biodiesel through the cultivation of microalgae. Six technology centers from France, Navarra and Euskadi and will last for about three years with a budget of 1,4 millones de euros.
With the aim of producing biodiesel and other fuels through the cultivation of microalgae, create a new model of circular economy in which the organic waste generated is used as food for microalgae and thus help their proliferation. They also take advantage of the biomass of the algae, extend the useful life of the waste in the process and can obtain certain products that are used for the chemical, energy and agricultural industries.
Neiker-Tecnalia, the Euskadi technology center, is in charge of coordinating the Cyclalg project. To do this, it will work to establish profitability and sustainability conditions for microalgae crops for the production of biodiesel.
This project is the next phase of the previous project energygreen which lasted from 2012 to 2014, whose members are the majority the same as those of Cyclalg. This previous project validated the viability of algae to be able to produce biodiesel and to be able to use its biomass. What was missing, among other things, were various problems that were detected when using organic waste extracted from oils. These residues are very useful due to their source of proteins and sugars to serve as food for microalgae.
On the other hand, it will also try to improve the useful life of the waste and make the most of it for, apart from biodiesel, synthesizing biomethane, manufacturing feed and biofertilizers. This project is co-financed 65% by the European Regional Development Fund. Thanks to Interreg VA program Spain-France-Andorra whose duration is from 2014 to 2020 and whose objective is to promote the economic and social integration of these areas.
It is true that with a liter you can do 1000km