European Commission opens new Algae Biomass Portal
- Algae represent a largely untapped resource among the biomass producing sectors of the EU bioeconomy.
- We can use them for food and feed, cosmetics, fertilisers and fuels, creating new markets and jobs.
- The term ‘algae’ covers single-celled microalgae cultivated in open ponds or in closed systems and macroalgae, harvested from wild stocks or cultivated in aquaculture systems.
- Algae biomass production in the EU contributed only 0.28% to global production in 2016, but production plants are already present in most Member States.
- Worldwide, algae are mainly cultivated. In Europe, 98% of macroalgae biomass has been harvested from wild stocks in 2016, but aquaculture systems are becoming more common.
- European Commission’s Joint Research Centre is analysing data on algae production and industry in Europe to support sustainable production and use of algae.
