Affordable and sustainable local algae production

Context

Microalgae production offers a promising alternative to animal-based proteins and synthetic colourants. South Africa’s climate is particularly well-suited to algae cultivation, but earlier initiatives often failed due to limited collaboration, lack of scalability and weak market alignment. This project explores the feasibility of establishing a commercially viable and sustainable microalgae value chain for the animal feed, food and cosmetics industries.

Involved organisations

• Q-Point B.V. (Carel Jaspers and Maren Valkenburght) – project coordination, value chain development and quality assurance
• Boland College (Vincent Uys) – practice-based research, training and demonstration facilities
• Algaeholix (Pty) Ltd (Linki Nel) – microalgae cultivation, local market expertise
• Saalbio Refineries (David Mjumira) – industrial-scale biorefining of microalgae

• Client: SBIR, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

Project goal and outputs

The project aims to assess the feasibility of microalgae production and biorefining in South Africa, with a focus on:
• protein-rich ingredients and natural colourants (such as beta-carotene)
• combining mid-tech production systems with local adaptations
• analysing key technological, economic and market-related conditions
• developing a route-to-market strategy and business model
• conducting technical, economic and IP risk analyses
• establishing a roadmap for TRL 4–6 development (pilot, validation, market introduction)

Relevant sustainable development goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by developing sustainable local protein sources
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – promoting employment and skills development in the biotech sector
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – enabling circular production with a low environmental footprint
• SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing CO₂ emissions and promoting responsible water use
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering international collaboration in R&D, knowledge and implementation