Robust Algae Systems

The target of ROBA is to create robust algae systems so that in 2030, microalgae are contributing substantially to carbon capture, are reliably sourced, sustainable and scalable raw material for a large variety of applications and play a part in the bioeconomy, both in Finland and worldwide.

Currently there are still bottlenecks preventing economic feasibility of applications from microalgal biomass. Key objectives of the ROBA project are to improve algal-based carbon capture through photobioreactor design and monitoring of algal cultures as well as recovery from disturbances such as contamination. Regulations and customer perception of products based on algal biomass grown on industrial offgases will assessed to ensure smooth market uptake of the end-products.

The ROBA consortium covers the entire value chain from CO₂ emitter (Neste), algal-based carbon capture (Agri-Biotech and Owatec), to nutrient (Soilfood) and water supply (Owatec) for algal bioprocess, photobioreactor design (Agri-Biotech), sensories (Pixact, Specim and Timegate), further to harvesting of the algal biomass (Owatec) and finally applications such as fuels (Neste), food ingredients (Aircohol), organic fertilizers (Soilfood) and chemicals and polymers (Neste). Through ROBA results and collaboration within the consortium, the companies will be able to develop their own offerings, increase their competitiveness, create more sustainable business and create economically feasible value chains.
The technologies developed in ROBA project are targeted to be commercialized within 7-15 years after the start of the project, and the consortium expects an export potential of approximately 935 M€ for Finland through ROBA related technologies and products in 2030.