First algae tests near in Spain

It has been claimed an EU-backed project in Spain has produced its first crop of algae for biofuel use.

The All-gas project, located in Chiclana and led by water company FCC Aqualia has used wastewater to grow the algae as it has a high nutrient quality. The initial fuel will be tested in local rubbish trucks and buses.

Since the five year plan was launched in 2011, it has already seen an algae harvest facility come online and a one hectare prototype biomass plant is now underway. The final stage will see a 10 hectare plant completed by 2016.

The European Union provided just over €7 million ($9.3 million) of the initial €12 million development funding the project required.

Partners working or collaborating with Aqualia include BDI, the University of Southampton and MTD Alternative Energies.