DEVELOPMENT OF A DEMONSTRATION PLANT FOR THE CAPTURE OF CO2 FROM FLUE GASES USING MICROALGAE - CO2ALGAEFIX PROJECT M. Segura1, E. Rodriguez2, F.G. Acien3, M. G. González4, C. Reparaz5, J. Villar6, V. Armengod7 [email protected] 1 AlgaEnergy, Madrid, Spain; 2Iberdrola, Madrid, Spain; 3University of Almeria, Almería, Spain; 4University of Seville, Seville, Spain; 5Exeleria (Everis Group) Madrid, Spain; 6Andalusian Energy Agency, Seville, Spain; 7Madrid Biocluster, Madrid, Spain. ABSTRACT Introduction CO2ALGAEFIX Project (LIFE10 ENV/ES/000496), which is co-financed by the European Commission (LIFE+ Programme), is intended to build and operate a preindustrial Plant, biofixing flue gases (CO2) directly emitted by a Combined Cycle Power Plant (Iberdrola), by using microalgae cultures, transforming this harmful gas into products of commercial interest. Methods The pre-industrial plant covers an area of 10,000 m2 and is being built in Arcos de la Frontera (south of Spain), due to the suitable climate conditions. A total volume of 1,000 m3 of microalgae culture will be installed, using different technologies (tubular photobioreactors, flat panel photobioreactors and raceways). The biomass will be harvested by flocculation-sedimentation and centrifugation. The culture medium will be mostly recycled, minimizing the purge flow (discharge). Results The expected results are the production of 100 Tn biomass/Ha·year and the biofixation of 200 Tn CO2/Ha·year, including the demonstration of the technical and economic viability of the microalgae culture, at pre-industrial level, all accompanied by the continuous improvement of the culture and harvesting process. Microalgae, through the photosynthesis process, are able to turn CO2 into biomass, which can be valorised into several products, like biofertilizers, food and feed, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, among others. Conclusion CO2ALGAEFIX Project is one of a kind in the world; for its cultivation and harvesting technologies, its magnitude and also because of using flue gases, at this scale.