Linked to the business environment of the Scientific Park of the University of Valencia, Poplac Development, which brings its expertise in biotechnology and sustainability, participates in the development of the bioreactor as a significant advance in the application of innovative technologies for natural waste management. In addition, the company contributes to the optimization of the algae conversion process into energy and fertilizers, ensuring high production performance and lower environmental impact
Tarifa has been facing an environmental emergency caused by the invasion of the Asian alga Rugulopteryx okamurae since 2019. This problem has wreaked havoc on marine ecosystems and overburdened municipal resources with cleaning costs of up to €5 million per year. However, the city could apply an innovative solution thanks to the participation of Poplac Development, a company located in the Scientific Park of the University of Valencia, in a circular economy project aimed at transforming this crisis into a sustainable opportunity.
The accumulation of more than 40,000 tons of algae in 2024 has put the ecological balance and the local economy of Tarifa at risk, affecting tourism and fishing. Given this situation, in collaboration with Futuralga, Poplac Development is leading the implementation of a million euro bioreactor that will transform invasive algae into biogas and biofertilizers.
A technological response to the environmental crisis
This innovative system will process 15,000 tons of algae per year, generating enough energy to supply a quarter of a megawatt and providing green fertilizers for the agricultural sector. This management model not only mitigates the environmental impact of dumping algae in landfills, but also reduces methane emissions and promotes a sustainable and economically viable alternative for marine waste management.
In a meeting with local authorities at the end of January, Alberto Ruiz, manager of Poplac, detailed that these algae release methane gas during their decomposition process, a gas that can be an energy source through a bioreactor. " We do not interfere with the process, only contain the gas, which, on the other hand, is a pollutant and generates an infectious greenhouse", said Ruiz, who detailed that they have developed a similar initiative in Mexico with another invasive algae, which makes the company consider that Tarifa is an interesting place to install a pilot plant where it can be treated and give use to the Regulopteryx okamurae.
The mayor of the municipality, José Antonio Santos, said that they will study the project and stressed that, if this proposal is viable, they must have the approval of the Ministry of Ecological Transition. In 2024, the Cádiz Provincial Council allocated €140,000 in emergency funds, an amount insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem.
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Photo: 8directo.com
The role of Poplac Development in research and development
Linked to the business environment of the UV Science Park, Poplac Development brings its expertise in biotechnology and sustainability to the project. Their involvement in the development of the bioreactor represents a significant step forward in the application of innovative technologies for natural waste management. In addition, the company collaborates in the optimization of the process of conversion of algae into energy and fertilizers, ensuring a high production yield and a lower environmental impact.
Towards a sustainable future
The Tarifa project, inspired by successful models in Mexico, could become a benchmark for sustainable coastal management in Europe. In addition, local companies such as Futuralga are exploring other uses of algae, such as the production of biodegradable packaging to reduce plastic pollution. These initiatives demonstrate that the environmental crisis can become an opportunity for innovation and sustainability.
If Tarifa’s initiatives are successful, they could set a precedent for other coastal communities to adopt similar strategies, setting a new standard in the fight against marine pollution and sustainable use of natural resources.
Source: Poplac