Collaboration for Sustainable Microalgae Cultivation in the Canary Islands

Overview

The Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC) and Unión Eléctrica de Canarias (Unelco Generación) have formalized a four-year collaboration focused on developing sustainable microalgae cultivation using CO₂ captured from a thermal power plant.

This innovative project aims to:

• Lower production costs
• Reduce carbon emissions

by utilizing gases from the power plant's flues to fuel algae growth, which could contribute significantly to climate change mitigation.

Details of the Agreement

• Unelco Generación will provide:
  • A designated area within its plant
  • Essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas access
• ITC will:
  • Operate and maintain the algae cultivation plant
  • Ensure only native species are used
• Both parties will:
  • Establish a joint oversight committee to monitor progress and address issues.

Broader Context and Significance

This collaboration is part of broader efforts by Endesa, Unelco’s parent group, to:

• Meet ambitious emission reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement

It also ties into regional projects exploring biotech innovations, especially the reuse of industrial gases for sustainable industries.

Potential Impact

• If successful, the project could:
  • Reduce the high costs associated with CO₂ supply for algae farms—up to 20% of total production costs
  • Make large-scale algae cultivation more viable

Strategic Importance

This pioneering effort highlights how Spain actively invests in:

• Green technologies
• Circular economy models

Even in insular territories where:

• Logistics
• Costs pose challenges

These projects could set a benchmark for renewable industry innovations within the Canary Islands and beyond.