Among the microalgae production units to be installed in ALGATEC ECO BUSINESS PARK, three are supported on investment projects: ARA.FARM and BIOFAT.PT. These projects apply cutting-edge technologies as a result of innovation projects.
ARA.FARM
It is a demonstration project of the feasibility of producing the polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid, Arachidonic Acid (ARA), from microalgae, on a pre-industrial scale. The unit will have 7.500 m2 of deployment area and an investment of around 4,6 M€.
Application: Omega-6 for incorporation into infant formulas.
Promoter: A4F – Algafuel S.A.
BIOFAT.PT
In a microalgae biorefinery approach, BIOFAT.PT aims to produce microalgae biomass for biofuels and added-value products (EPA, protein) to incorporate into aquaculture feeds and to replace fish oil and fish meal. This project is a direct consequence of the European research and demonstration project BIOFAT, supported by the European Union in the scope of the FP7 Program. The unit will have 10 ha of deployment area and an investment of around 16.5 M€ between 2017 and 2018, with an estimated sales volume of 8 M€/year.
Application: Omega-3 for functional supplements.
Promoter: Green Aqua Póvoa S.A.