AlgaEnergy and the future of sustainable agriculture
- Jamal El-Masri
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
As agriculture faces mounting pressure to feed a growing population while preserving natural resources, innovation is no longer optional, it is essential. Climate change, soil degradation and excessive use of chemical inputs have led scientists and agribusinesses to explore more sustainable, efficient alternatives. One such breakthrough comes from AlgaEnergy, whose pioneering work in microalgae-based biotechnology is contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). By rethinking the building blocks of crop nutrition, AlgaEnergy is helping to bend the arc of agricultural innovation toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
AlgaEnergy, headquartered in Spain, has developed a science-driven platform to produce crop inputs that enhance yields while reducing environmental impact. Its innovations include biofertilisers and biostimulants derived from proprietary microalgae strains, cultivated using CO₂ emissions from natural gas power plants—turning industrial waste into agricultural value. According to the company, these products not only improve crop productivity but also bolster plant resilience against pests, diseases and climate stress.
The statistics paint a compelling picture. The global biostimulants market is projected to exceed USD 6 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual rate of over 11%. In contrast to synthetic fertilisers, microalgae-based inputs are biodegradable, rich in proteins, plant hormones, vitamins and polysaccharides, and have shown improved nutrient use efficiency by up to 30%Â in various field studies.
At the heart of AlgaEnergy’s R&D is the Technological Platform for Experimentation in Microalgae (PTEM), based at Madrid-Barajas Airport. With more than €60 million invested in international R&D and partnerships with over 120 research centres and universities, the company has positioned itself at the intersection of biotechnology and climate-conscious farming. The Arcos de la Frontera facility in Cádiz is another key site, where CO₂ from Iberdrola’s power plant fuels the cultivation of microalgae. This closed-loop model exemplifies circular economy principles and represents a scalable vision for industrial symbiosis.
One of the most significant breakthroughs by AlgaEnergy is the debut of a new class of crop inputs, combining microalgae with plant nutrients and biological agents. This approach offers tailored solutions based on crop type and regional conditions, drawing on the immense biodiversity and physiological benefits of algae. These developments support a transition toward low-carbon agriculture, aligning with both the European Green Deal and global food security agendas.
Looking to the future, microalgae are poised to play a critical role not only in agriculture but also in broader bioeconomy strategies. Their potential extends to areas such as carbon sequestration, renewable energy and sustainable aquaculture. The versatility of microalgae makes them a cornerstone technology in achieving multiple Global Goals, especially as the planet moves toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The work of AlgaEnergy underscores the importance of global collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Solutions to environmental degradation and food insecurity require input from research institutions, public policy, private investment and civil society. The Global Society must continue to support organisations that bridge scientific excellence with real-world applications, ensuring that sustainability is not merely a concept but a deliverable outcome.
AlgaEnergy's innovation in sustainable agriculture is more than a technological success—it is a call to action. As the world navigates environmental and food-related challenges, microalgae-based solutions present a viable and impactful path forward. Continued investment, international cooperation and public awareness are essential to scale these solutions globally and meet the UN SDGs in the years ahead.
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Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@AlgaEnergyBiotech