lgae-Based Wastewater Valorisation in Action: NAMOR Showcases Innovation at PDE Algas Event

On March 25, 2026, the NAMOR project took center stage at the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (PDE) event, “Algas en Castilla y León: Innovación, Bioeconomía, Mercados y Nuevas Oportunidades Industriales,” held at the PRAE Building in Valladolid.

The event served as a high-level meeting point for over 40 key stakeholders across the algae value chain and the water sector ecosystem. This diverse participation—spanning universities, technology centers, SMEs, and public authorities—underscores the systemic, multi-actor approach required to bring wastewater-based algae solutions to the industrial forefront.

A Vision for the Blue Bioeconomy

A highlight of the day was the keynote presentation by Francisco Gabriel Acién Fernández (University of Almería & Vice-President of EABA) titled “The potential of algae in the blue bioeconomy and their strategic role for inland regions.” His insights reinforced the strategic importance of microalgae as a “Key Enabling Technology” for modern wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Strategic Alignment with NAMOR Objectives

The discussions throughout the event resonated deeply with the core mission of the NAMOR project. Key technical insights shared during the sessions highlighted:

  • Nutrient Recovery: The integration of microalgae for the simultaneous removal of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and organic matter.

  • Circular Economy: Transforming wastewater into valuable biomass to fuel new bio-based business models.

  • Sustainability: Drastically reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional treatment methods.

  • Technological Synergy: The high potential of coupling microalgae with membrane systems and digital monitoring tools—a cornerstone of the NAMOR approach—to enhance process reliability and efficiency.

Bridging the Gap: From Research to Industry

Beyond the presentations, NAMOR participated in interactive debate and matchmaking sessions. These sessions were vital for identifying the regulatory and technical barriers to large-scale implementation and exploring synergies between water utilities and biomass valorisation industries.

The strong engagement from participants confirms a growing European interest in nature-based, circular wastewater solutions. By actively participating in these forums, NAMOR continues to foster the collaboration and knowledge transfer necessary to accelerate the deployment of sustainable, algae-membrane treatment systems across the continent.

Published On: May 4, 2026Categories: News