Suez and Fermentalg, a French player and expert in the research and bio-industrial exploitation of micro-algae, signed a memorandum of understanding for the creation in the first half of 2021 of a joint venture which will develop algae photobioreactors capable of capturing CO2 by biomimicry. In addition, this major innovation will enable the development of circular loops, notably by producing products that can be used in the fields of biocontrol, nutrition and animal health.
Initiated in 2015 as part of the Paris Agreement, the partnership between both companies has allowed for the development of Carbon sink, that captures and processes CO2 emissions in an industrial environment using a new generation algae photobioreactor.
The new algal photobioreactor developed by the joint venture will build on this technological advancement deployed in both industrial and urban environments over the past five years. The solutions improve the selection of microalgae strains, new lighting technologies and the identification of high value-added bioproducts validating the environmental and economic benefits of the model. According to the applications, these bioproducts will contribute to the preservation of soils and biodiversity as well as to human and animal health.
Philippe Lavielle, Fermentalg CEO, said that “by creating this new growth division with Suez Group, Fermentalg today reaffirms its environmental and societal commitment. By leveraging our unique global expertise in technology to serve sustainable development, our joint venture will now be positioned as one of the leading players in air quality and the fight against climate change. In the first year, we plan to open up our capital to other financial partners to accelerate the global rollout of our solutions.”
