A UK Roadmap for Algal Technologies

Algae have attracted considerable interest globally as a potential feedstock for a biobased economy. The industrial and research communities in the UK have much to offer in this space: UK companies and academics have laid the foundations for several now globally-used algal biotechnology and engineering advances, and as an island nation we have a strong history in macroalgal commercial activities.

This roadmap has been commissioned by the NERC-TSB Algal Bioenergy Special Interest Group, to complement its Strategic Research Agenda of 2012. It focuses on the commercialisation potential of algaerelated products, processes and services for the UK, being mindful of environmental implications. It builds on the outcomes of two workshops held by AB-SIG in October and November 2012 with a variety of stakeholders, whose contributions are gratefully acknowledged.

The report signposts the strengths of the UK science base, gives a snapshot of UK and global algal industries, and presents an overview of trends and opportunities for algae–derived products and services. Based on these, it assesses the UK’s potential for profiting from international markets, and highlights actions required to compete in a global marketplace. It then presents seven sectors which the workshop participants had identified as being of particular relevance and value for the UK. Examples of products or processes in each sector are given in case studies which evaluate their commercial, technical and environmental strengths and weaknesses.