Sion, Switzerland – June 17, 2026 – The NIAGARA consortium gathered for its 3rd General Assembly at EPFL in Sion, Switzerland. The meeting brought together partners from across Europe to review progress, share results, and coordinate on the next steps of this Horizon Europe project.
Participants, alongside coordinator CEA, included Politecnico di Torino, Universidad de Almería, 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).
The assembly offered a broad overview of achievements across the project. Partners reported advances in microalgae cultivation and biomass production, progress in hydrothermal carbonization experiments and aqueous phase treatment, and ongoing solid oxide fuel cell testing with biosyngas. Efforts in CO₂ capture, both at pilot scale and through novel solvent development, are also advancing well, with new tests planned for the following months.
Among the key advances discussed was the identification of the biogenic wastes with the greatest potential to be transformed into energy resources, together with the development and validation of chore technologies such as hydrothermal carbonization, gasification and aqueous phase reforming.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to deepen the consortium’s understanding of how these technologies can be integrated to produce advanced, hydrogen-rich fuels and to examine the conditions needed to support their future industrial application.
The General Assembly concluded with a forward-looking session in which partners confirmed upcoming milestones. The strong engagement across all partners reflects the collaborative spirit and shared ambition driving NIAGARA forward, advancing innovative solutions for valorising biogenic wates and supporting Europe’s transition towards a more circular economy.
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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.