What are the possibilities and impossibilities of Algae and for whom could algae be beneficial?

Algae are microscopic little plants which form the basis of the food chain. They are however used in a wide variety of areas such as in biofuels, electricity production, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and nutrition. The use of algae in human being’s and animal’s nutrition offers great opportunities.

Furthermore, enormous amounts of CO₂ can be absorbed and a huge biomass production per hectare can be obtained. Algae therefore offer many opportunities in various current and future applications.

The annual International Algae Congresses highlight the following themes: research, production, processing, technology, practical applications and marketing. Questions that raised during the congresses were among others: What are the motives and incentives in the market? What are the most recent technological developments? What are the current and future applications? Answers to these and other questions were shared with the audience by international algae experts.

Representatives of the following sectors were represented during the congresses in Amsterdam 2008 and Hamburg 2009, such as research, industry and national and international public authorities. Also, due to the fact that the supply and the demand side were brought together during this congresses the implementation of algae in the broadest sense was encouraged. The diversity in delegates’ background surely led to debates about opportunities and threats and future challenges in a growing algae industry. Besides, the most recent developments in the work field were discussed as well as best practices shared. The International Algae congresses thus offer the opportunity to meet fellow experts with whom one can exchange ideas and visions on the algae sector.Table tops and poster panels during the concurrent trade show surely offered added value.

Please keep an eye on this website for more information about the upcoming International Algae Congress. You can also contact Tessa de Boer.