Cadarache (France), May 30, 2024 – The new European-funded project NIAGARA was officially launched with a gathering at Château de Cadarache in France on May 23. The Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), serving as the project coordinator, hosted the dynamic event, which brought together all the participants of the project.
NIAGARA is a 4-year project funded by the European Union, under the Horizon Europe Programme. It aims to produce advanced biofuels from widely available biomasses and wastes across the EU in a fully circular manner, ensuring the sustainability of the entire value chain.
Participants, in addition to CEA, comprised Politecnico di Torino, Universidad de Almería, GazoTech, Rise Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Lomartov SL, Sociedad de Fomento Agricola Castellonense SA (FACSA), Lulea Tekniska Universitet, Solydera SPA, and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
During the meeting, representatives from these entities from France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland brought their expertise and efforts to discuss the ambitions and define the details of this initiative. Participants also had the enriching opportunity to visit the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) energy project infrastructure and the CEA’s Microalgae platform.
Current energy supply trends reliant on fossil fuels are deemed unsustainable. In contrast, biofuels derive from organic matter within biomass, offering a more sustainable alternative[1]. Unlike microalgae, which require specific cultivation, vast amounts of biogenic waste are generated daily. For instance, in 2018 alone, the EU released 6,390 kT of dry weight (DW) of sewage sludge, with over 40% left unutilized for agriculture (EUROSTAT, 2023). [2]
Throughout the project duration, the collaborating entities will synergize efforts to innovate renewable advanced fuels sourced from biogenic wastes and the production of carbohydrate-rich microalgae where wastewaters are generated. Through a process of Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC), Aqueous Phase Reforming (APR) and gasification, the resulting fuel will power fuel cells for electricity generation, demonstrating technology feasibility. CO2 and nutrients captured will support microalgae culture, ensuring zero emissions, with AI optimization for full sustainability.
This collaborative endeavour aims to optimize circularity in conversion processes, ultimately enhancing sustainability, and helping the EU meet its renewable energy targets by providing a new source of clean energy.
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.Grant Agreement No 101146861.
About Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports the creation and better diffusion of excellent knowledge and technologies.
[1] International Energy Agency, 2023. World Energy Outlook 2023. Available at: World Energy Outlook 2023 – Analysis – IEA
[2] EUROSTAT 2023, Sewage sludge production and disposal. Available at: Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)
