Wastewater base for biofuels project in Spain

A pilot plant in Spain is to use municipal wastewater and sunlight for biofuels production via algae.

The project, branded as All-Gas and backed by seven European-based partners, is set to cost €12.2 million ($15.7 million) but at least €9 million has been received from the European Union (EU).

It will aim to produce 3,000kg of algae a year with an oil content of 20%, enough biodiesel for 200 cars. The treatment plant is owned by Aqualia which claims the remaining algae biomass can be used to make biomathane, CO₂ and minerals.

The pilot plant is located in Chiclana de la Frontera and will hope to contribute to the EU directive of increasing transport biofuels from 2.4% to 10% by 2020.