Varicon is involved in an exciting new biofuels project in conjunction with a Serbian research team, led by Ivan Spasojevic. This project is a multifaceted approach to developing and exploiting enhanced strains of microalgae, with specific focus on biofuel production. This project will involve members of the Belgrade Institute for Multidisciplinary Research (Serbian), Manchester University (UK), and Baylor university (USA). Varicon will be working with this team to develop photobioreactor systems for use on both laboratory and industrial scale-up processes, as well as providing an advisory role on optimising their processes.

The project is funded by NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme, with the aim of enhancing specific microalgal strains to produce bio-oils. Mr Spasojevic has commented that NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme will provide them with the tools and resources required to run the project for the next three years, leading to fuel prices reducing by a fifth over the next five years.

SPS programmes have been implemented worldwide, advised by members of the scientific community on how to best utilise current research for advancing ‘green’ technologies and humanitarian projects. This project will aim to produce environmentally-friendly bio-fuels, providing energy alternatives to fossil fuels and other oil-based products, such as conventional plastics.

For the NATO release on this project, please visit this link:  http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_146424.htm