A contract covering the foresighting and economic modelling work for Scottish Enterprise's recently integrated ITI Energy Seaweed Anaerobic Digestion (SAD) programme has been awarded to AEA, it was announced today (3rd December). The £3.7 million R&D programme aims to exploit the potential of algal biofuels with the development of key enabling technologies, that will scale-up the SAD process and optimise seaweed harvesting to generate renewable, sustainable and secure energy, as well jobs for coastal and island communities in Scotland.

Colin McNaught, Knowledge Leader for Renewable Energy at AEA, commented: "With increasing interest in renewable energy it is vital to understand the commercial and technical opportunities for all forms of energy source. Harnessing seaweed has the potential to provide heat and power, using a natural and Scottish resource. AEA's team will help Scottish Enterprise understand how seaweed can help to meet Scotland's energy and economic targets."

The SAD programme is taking place in three phases over four years. The first phase is focusing on the optimisation of SAD, with the second phase looking to create market opportunities to facilitate sustainable and low cost energy supplies for island communities. The final phase will focus on long-term market opportunities to intensify and automate the aquaculture industry.

"This is a very exciting and commercially relevant programme, as algae biofuels are a real contender in the race for a future sustainable energy supply", explained Dr. Craig Rose, Programme Manager at Scottish Enterprise. "The SAD programme is utilising both academic and commercial experience to deliver technically sound and commercially pragmatic outcomes, in realistic timescales, to benefit the Scottish economy. I am delighted that AEA has come on board and, with its links to SAMS and the Hebridean Seaweed Company, I am confident they will contribute a great deal in driving the programme forward."

Adrian Gillespie, Senior Director of Energy & Low Carbon Technologies at Scottish Enterprise commented: "Investment in biofuels is growing massively all over the world and we estimate that the potential market for Scottish seaweed harvesting for use as a biofuel will start at around £4 million and grow significantly from there, along with other industries set to benefit too. Access to seaweed resources also provides potential for a cost-effective and sustainable source of renewable energy for Scotland's coastal and island communities."