Data-driven Methods: Boost Microalgae Production & CO2 Capture

Project ROBA – Robust Algae Systems, funded by Business Finland, aims to tackle hurdles to create economically feasible algae processes through a combination of modeling, advanced measurement technology, bioprocess engineering, machine learning, and synthetic biology.

“Microalgae are one of the potential renewable and scalable future raw materials that Neste is developing, with the aim to expand our renewable raw material pool to support the future growth of renewables production. We are also looking for all possible solutions to reduce emissions in order to meet our ambitious goal of carbon-neutral production by 2035. Activities in the ROBA project will contribute to these targets by focusing on a concept for refinery CO2 capture with microalgae and by developing monitoring methods that could be utilized in large-scale algae cultivation,” explains Jason Michael Blake, Vice President of Innovation, Business Platform Aviation Feedstock, at Neste.

One bottleneck in algae cultivations to be addressed is the monitoring of contamination, which currently is a challenge in large-scale processes and can lead to the loss of entire cultures. In ROBA, a series of optical and other online methods will be explored. The measurement technologies to be developed in the project will be applicable also to other biotechnological processes.

“Industrial biotechnology is becoming more and more an important part of sustainable industrial practices. Our aim is to develop intensification methods for large-scale algal cultivation. Innovative measurement and monitoring technologies will help us to move towards efficient and economically feasible production processes,” says Mervi Toivari, Principal Scientist at VTT.

Machine learning promises to take process monitoring even one step further, by combining various information received from the process into a more complete picture. 

“This is a new opening to develop a novel on-site observer and computational methods for the needs of microalgae biotechnology. The Spectral Imaging Laboratory at the University of Jyväskylä focuses on developing a non-invasive monitoring method based on hyperspectral imager technology. Monitoring the growth and product accumulation of microalgae and detecting contamination are the key areas for the development,” says Pauliina Salmi, Postdoctoral Researcher from the University of Jyväskylä.

More about the project

ROBA’s total budget is 1.4 M€ and its main funder is Business Finland. ROBA is one of the ecosystem projects of Neste Veturi. In addition to VTT, the University of Jyväskylä, Business Finland, and Neste, the following companies are also participating in the project: Agri-Biotech, Aircohol, Owatec, Pixact, Soilfood, Specim, and Timegate. The partners are supporting the project with valuable expertise and insight into measurement technologies in bioprocesses, photobioreactor configurations, products from algae biomass, and process equipment.

VTT is a visionary research, development, and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time, and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help society and companies grow through technological innovations. We have 80 years of experience in top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

www.vttresearch.com, Twitter @VTTFinland, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram