Biofuels and energy crops
One of ACCIONA Energy`s top-priority lines is the generation of alternative fuels by way of plant resources, due to its tremendous potential.
Microalgae for replacing oil
Microalgae are organisms carrying out photosynthesis which have shown themselves to be the most efficient solar energy-converters on the planet due to their simple cell structure.
On being suspended in water, microalgae have better access to CO2 and other nutrients. They are also adapted to a wide variety of conditions and are thus spread widely throughout the biosphere. According the latest research, they build up a large quantity of lipids, making them a rich source of biodiesel production, replacing other conventional sources such as rapeseed, soy, palm or sunflower oil.
At the Caparroso facilities, ACCIONA has installed the first pilot plant for developing, optimizing and increasing the yield of the microalgae crops for producing biofuels. The objective of this project is to show that continuing, mass, economically-competitive biomass production for producing biodiesel starting from microalgae is possible. ACCIONA's research activities are aimed at selecting the most appropriate species for producing biodiesel and generating designs making it possible to boost the crop yield to the point of surpassing 70 metric tons / hectare / year. The use of algae to produce biodiesel would prevent the competition with the food-growing industry by not using lands suitable for growing crops and raw materials used for producing food.
New application for biodiesel in Spain. Research project for biodiesel promotion. PIIBE
This project is focused on promoting and developing biofuels as key to the energy policy promoted by Spain's Government and the European Union.
The Research Project for Biodiesel Promotion's efforts are focused on increasing energy production starting from the local raw materials whilst also seeking new energy sources making it possible to reduce carbon and gases polluting the air.
Other lines along which the Research Project for Biodiesel Promotion (PIIBE) is working revolve around improving the applications of the new biofuels and reducing biodiesel production costs.
ACCIONA is collaborating actively in this project, and its work has been recognized by way of the European Environmental Award for the production of biodiesel.
