Meet NAMOR Partners: ALGEN
What is your organisation’s role in the NAMOR project?
ALGEN plays a central role in the Slovenian demonstration case of NAMOR, focusing on the development, design and operation of advanced microalgae–bacteria systems for decentralized wastewater treatment.
Within the project, we are responsible for process development of the Advanced Expandable Algae-Bacteria System (EABS) installed at the WWTP Ajdovščina. This includes the design and optimization of raceway pond systems integrated with a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and membrane separation. We also contribute to strain selection, system automation (monitoring of pH, ORP, DO, EC, PAR and other parameters), operational optimization, and biomass valorisation pathways such as anaerobic digestion and composting.
Beyond the Slovenian demo, where we closely cooperate with University of Ljubljana and WWTP Ajdovščina, ALGEN supports the Finnish and Greek sites with expertise in algal pond design, microalgae cultivation under variable conditions, and process integration. Our long-standing experience with outdoor raceway systems and wastewater-fed microalgae cultivation ensures that NAMOR solutions are not only innovative but also practical and scalable.
What do you expect to be the key benefits that the NAMOR project will deliver?
NAMOR is expected to deliver three key benefits:
- Demonstration of robust decentralized systems (TRL 8)
The project will validate modular, mobile microalgae–membrane photobioreactor (MPBR) systems under different climatic conditions (Northern, Central and Southern Europe), demonstrating that decentralized wastewater treatment can be efficient, resilient and adaptable.
- Energy-efficient nutrient recovery and water reuse
By combining microalgae–bacteria co-cultivation with membrane filtration and AI-driven control, NAMOR aims to achieve high nutrient recovery (>80% N and P in some targets), reduced energy consumption, and production of high-quality reclaimed water suitable for local reuse.
- Circular integration with existing infrastructure
NAMOR goes beyond treatment: the produced algal-bacterial biomass can be valorised via biogas production or composting, supporting circular economy models and reducing the environmental footprint of wastewater treatment. The integration of digital twins and decision support systems will further help policymakers and utilities select optimal decentralized solutions.
NAMOR brings strategic value to European water management by demonstrating that wastewater can be transformed from a liability into a local resource. Algal wastewater treatment offers several systemic advantages:
- Simultaneous nutrient removal and biomass production: Microalgae assimilate nitrogen and phosphorus directly into biomass, reducing reliance on energy-intensive nitrification–denitrification processes.
- Lower energy demand: Oxygen required for bacterial degradation is partly supplied by algal photosynthesis, reducing aeration needs.
- Carbon capture potential: Microalgae fix CO₂, contributing to climate mitigation and aligning with EU Green Deal objectives.
- Water reuse at source: High-quality effluent produced by MPBR systems can be reused locally (e.g. irrigation, urban applications), reducing pressure on freshwater resources.
- Adaptability to decentralised contexts: Compact, modular units can serve small settlements, seasonal facilities, or areas facing hydraulic overloads.
In a European context increasingly affected by water scarcity, extreme weather events, and energy constraints, NAMOR provides a blueprint for integrated, decentralised–centralised hybrid systems that enhance resilience while supporting circular bioeconomy principles.
How have the first months of the NAMOR project been for so far?
The first months of NAMOR have been highly dynamic and constructive for ALGEN.
We have focused on detailed system design, alignment of operational protocols with partners, and preparation of the Slovenian demo infrastructure. Collaboration within the consortium has been particularly strong, combining engineering, biological, digital and policy expertise into a coherent framework.
For ALGEN, NAMOR represents a natural continuation of our work on algae-based wastewater treatment — but at a new level of integration, digitalisation and European impact. The early phase has confirmed the strength of the consortium and the shared commitment to deliver technically sound, scalable and policy-relevant solutions.
