Algae innovation: Sustainable alternatives emerging from European seas and waters

ALEHOOP is one of the EU-funded projects that are featured in this article as innovation initiatives in the area of alternative proteins.

In the search for a more sustainable economy, algae present themselves as an environmentally friendly solution to generate a great variety of products, from food ingredients to medicines, biofuels, plastics and more.

The growth of algae can be accomplished in a diverse array of systems both in marine and freshwater environments, including  in ponds using sunlight or in more controlled bioreactors where they can be used for biomass conversion through fermentation. In addition, algae require less water than conventional land crops and are even capable of growing using wastewater, opening opportunities to be used in bioremediation processes.

For these reasons, algae offer a viable alternative to tackle the increased demand for sustainable foods and products with a decreased environmental impact. In this regard, the European Union “farm to fork” strategy takes into account the role of algae to assist in the transition to plant proteins. Additionally, algae cultivation can also contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal for decarbonisation, zero pollution, circularity and protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.

The EU through the Horizon program and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund supports several projects aiming to develop innovative strategies for algae cultivation and valorisation. Some of these projects like MULTI-STR3AM and AlgaeCeuticals focus on using microalgae to produce pharmaceutical and cosmetic compounds. Other projects seek to enhance our understanding of the role of algae in the environment, MARINEGLYCAN is studying how the oceans capture CO2 within algal biomolecules and the e-shape project utilized Earth observation imagery to safeguard coastal areas from harmful algal blooms. Meanwhile, in other advancements, the FLEXI-GREEN FUELS, WWTBP-by-Microalgae and NENU2PHAR projects showed how microalgae can be a used in the production of biofuels and bio plastics.

Of great importance is the use of algae for food production. As food, they are a rich in protein, fiber and other essential nutrients, making them a promising alternative to more traditional plant and animal products. Consequently, projects like Biosolar Leaf, Cyanobacteria and ALEHOOP have shown the use of algae as an unconventional protein source in pilot scale bioreactors.

The ALEHOOP project seeks to reduce the environmental impact of protein production while offering a viable, ecofriendly alternative to conventional sources by using fermentation and biorefining strategies, to convert algae and agricultural by products into proteins.

In conclusion, the ALEHOOP project represents the growing potential of algae as a sustainable solution for protein production, contributing to a more sustainable food system while supporting the EU’s broader environmental goals. The continued investment in algae cultivation through Horizon and other EU programs will be key to unlocking its full potential.

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