Sustainable Production Of Food Ingredients And Agricultural Products Following A Microalgal Biorefinery Approach (SOLAR FOODS)

SOLAR-FOODS aims to solve the main problems that currently limit the implementation of microalgae-based products and processes. The microalgae sector in the EU is growing exponentially and Spain has the capacity to become a world leader. The main problems include (i) high production costs, (ii) low production capacities, (iii) lack of knowledge about the environmental impact of microalgae production and (iv) a large knowledge gap about consumers’ needs and their knowledge and perception of microalgae. These challenges are common to all EU countries and have recently been highlighted in a Communication entitled Towards a strong and sustainable algae sector in the EU.

The main objective of SOLAR-FOODS is to boost the production and use of microalgae biomass by contributing to these four challenges simultaneously. The project will be based on three pillars: sustainable production, innovative technologies and uses, and consumers.