Alg4Hyd: Integrating molecular and process perspective for microalgal H2 production
Short description
Hydrogen is a key player for clean energy transition, yet current production remains carbon-intensive and heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Alg4Hyd offers a sustainable, carbon-negative platform for green H₂ production using microalgae, helping to strengthen Europe’s transition to climate-neutral and secure energy.
About
Hydrogen (H₂) plays a crucial role in the clean energy transition as a versatile fuel and energy carrier that can decarbonize transport, industry, and power generation. However, most H₂ is still derived from fossil fuels, leading to high CO₂ emissions. While water electrolysis offers a cleaner alternative, it remains limited by high energy demands and cost.
Alg4Hyd proposes a sustainable, carbon-negative alternative by harnessing the photosynthetic and enzymatic potential of green microalgae for bio-H₂ production. By combining molecular biology, metabolic engineering, and process optimization, the project will develop advanced microalgal strains and implement a pilot-scale photobioreactor designed to double H₂ yields. The produced bio-H₂ will be directly applied in microbial fuel cells for clean electricity generation, while the residual algal biomass will be valorized as agricultural biostimulants, enhancing resource efficiency and circularity.
Advancing from TRL 3 to 5, Alg4Hyd de-risks microalgal H₂ and accelerates Europe’s shift to climate-neutral, secure energy.
Cooperation partners
- Suphi Oncel (Ege University, Izmir, Turkey)
- Szilvia Z. Toth (Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary)
- Maria Daletou (Foundation for Research & Technology, Heraklion, Greece)
- Juan Keegan (MG Sustainable Engineering AB, Uppsala, Sweden)
