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Consortium starts pilot project with algae
Delfzijl breeding ground for green materials for coatings
Delfzijl, 3 June 2008 – In September an ambitious pilot project will be starting in Delfzijl to
develop sustainable basic materials from algae for use in paints and as a biofuel. The
chemicals and coatings corporation AkzoNobel has set up a consortium for this in
collaboration with energy producer Essent, algae producer Ingrepro and Wageningen
University and Research Centre. The object of the trial, which will last four years, is to
determine the technical and economic feasibility of these processes and the functionality of
the basic materials. SenterNovem is sponsoring the initiative.
Sustainable material
“We are looking more and more emphatically for sustainable alternatives”, explains Hans
Feenstra, who is preparing the project on behalf of AkzoNobel. "Considered in this light,
algae may be our answer to producing renewable basic material. Apart from as a biofuel,
the algae are also of particular interest to AkzoNobel as a possible sustainable base
material for paints.” It gives the company a great opportunity to become familiar with
biological processes, alongside its existing high-quality knowledge and expertise in
chemistry and coatings. “In time, biorefining could perhaps provide AkzoNobel with new
possibilities”, says Feenstra. “We are working now on innovative answers to the questions
of tomorrow.”
‘Green’ materials
As part of the trial, two ponds with an algae population are being laid in Delfzijl. Some of the
waste gases, containing CO2, are transferred from the combined heating and power station
on site, a joint venture of AkzoNobel and Essent, to these algae ponds. The algae absorb
the CO2 and then convert it into oxygen. This causes the algae to reproduce, after which, in
a subsequent process, they are recovered and dried. Feenstra: “By means of biorefining
and reprocessing we obtain ‘green’ ingredients for paints and biofuel. In the trial we will
investigate the best conditions and methods for cultivating algae, of which there are more
than 80,000 species, on a larger scale and in an industrial environment.”
Crucial
Essent is participating in the consortium due to its interest in the use of CO2 from waste
gases from power stations and the possible deployment of algae as a biomass and biofuel.
Ingrepro is responsible for producing and scaling-up the selected algal fractions, while
Wageningen University and Research Centre carries out fundamental research into algal
biology and separation techniques. Feenstra: “The constant increase in demand for energy
and basic and auxiliary chemical materials means that the search for sustainable and
therefore profitable alternatives is of crucial importance.”
Not for publication – for further information
If you have any questions please contact one of the following:
- AkzoNobel Delfzijl, Mr Harry Jasken, Communication Manager, tel. 0596-64 81 10, [email protected]
- Essent, Mr Bert Hendriks, Corporation spokesperson, tel. 06 50 47 94 59, [email protected]
- Ingrepro, Mr Carel Callenbach, BSc., managing director, tel. 0545 27 59 46, [email protected]
- Wageningen UR, Dr. Hans Mooibroek, Senior Scientist, tel. 0317 48 02 14, [email protected]
Members of consortium
AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel is proud to be one of the leading industrial companies in the world. With our head office in Amsterdam, we make
and supply a wide range of paints, coatings and specialist chemicals. In 2007 the turnover amounted to pro forma €14.4
billion. We are also the largest worldwide-operating paint and coatings company. As an important producer of speciality
chemicals we provide industrial companies all over the world with high-quality ingredients for the essentials of life. We think
about the future, but act in the present.” We have the drive to create new ideas and develop sustainable solutions for our
customers. This is why our 60,000 employees in more than 80 countries strive towards excellence and delivery of Tomorrow’s
Answers Today™.
Essent
Essent is present throughout the energy chain, from the production of energy – except for exploration and recovery – up to
and including supply to end users: wholesale, retail and consumers. We also provide various related products and services,
such as maintenance of equipment, energy advice services, heating, the exploitation of sustainable energy facilities and micro
total energy.
Ingrepro
Ingrepro is a bio-tech company specialising in industrial large-scale algae production. We are a leading industrial algae
producer in Europe and unique in the world due to our in-depth knowledge of cultivating algae under extreme (stress)
conditions in order to obtain Enriched Algal Biomass (EAB). Ingrepro is producing client-specific EABs for several major clients
in the food and feed sectors. Furthermore, Ingrepro has highly qualified employees and closely cooperates with major national
and international research institutes.
Wageningen UR
Wageningen University and Research Centre is a prominent international knowledge institute which makes essential
contributions to different aspects of the quality of life. The departments concerned, Biobased Products and BioProcess
Engineering, perform a leading role in highly topical issues associated with the Biobased Economy and Biorefining, including
in the field of algae and products derivable from them. Wageningen UR is coordinating this project and in so doing forging a
link between science and industry.