GreenDESERT project : Investigation and optimization of microalgae production in extreme desert conditions of Qatar country

Desert regions are of interest for the deployment of solar production of microalgae. They offer indeed important cultivation area and high irradiation conditions. Qatar country has in this sense a great potential, considering also its localization near the sea making available abundant water resources for growing marine microalgae species.

This however raises several issues related to both engineering and operating of the cultivation system. Desert regions are indeed characterized by extremes temperature and irradiance (maximal values and dynamics).

The project will aim at investigating effects of desert conditions (temperature, irradiance) on photosynthetic growth, and to develop operating strategies and engineering solutions for an optimized outdoor cultivation of microalgae in Qatar country.

The project will be based on tools and facilities available at both University of Nantes (AlgoSolis R&D facility, GEPEA) and University of Qatar.