[{"content":"","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/desalination/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Desalination","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/interview/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Interview","type":"tags"},{"content":"🇬🇧 The University of Almería and Plataforma Solar de Almería have joined forces in a joint project in which desalination brine can be reused for macroalgae cultivation.\nThe macroalgae cultivated is Ulva, which is produced in reactors both inside greenhouses and outdoors. It is in high demand for human consumption due to its many health benefits, such as the presence of vitamins A, B, C, and E.\nThe project also includes solar energy as the main source for operating the desalination systems, thus reducing environmental impact and contributing to a circular economy.\nRaceway reactor for macroalgae cultivation at Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria, Pesquera, Alimentaria y de la Producción Ecológica (IFAPA) in Almería, Spain 🇪🇸 La Universidad de Almería y la Plataforma Solar de Almería se han unido en un proyecto conjunto en el que la salmuera de desalación se puede reutilizar para el cultivo de macroalgas.\nLa macroalga cultivada es Ulva y se produce en reactores tanto dentro de invernaderos como al aire libre. Es muy demandada para el consumo humano por su gran número de propiedades beneficiosas para la salud, como la presencia de vitamina A, B, C y E.\nEl proyecto además incluye la energía solar como fuente principal para operar los sistemas de desalación, reduciendo así el impacto ambiental y contribuyendo a una economía circular.\nNoticia Canal Sur ","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/posts/2026/01/","section":"Posts","summary":"","title":"Interview: Macroalgae from solar energy and brine in Almería","type":"posts"},{"content":"","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/macroalgae/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Macroalgae","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/posts/","section":"Posts","summary":"","title":"Posts","type":"posts"},{"content":"","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/solar-energy/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Solar Energy","type":"tags"},{"content":" The primary aim of the SOLDESALBIO project is to advance the Energy-Water-Food (EWF) nexus by evaluating an innovative CSP + D + B scheme that integrates renewable energy technologies with desalination systems and macroalgae production.\nThis novel system aims to achieve zero-carbon emissions for the combined production of freshwater, energy, and macroalgae biomass. By repurposing brine, a by-product of desalination, into a nutrient source for macroalgae cultivation, the project seeks to enhance resource efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and contribute to a circular economy.\n","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/","section":"SOLDESALBIO project","summary":"","title":"SOLDESALBIO project","type":"page"},{"content":"","date":"4 February 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Tags","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"14 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/bioeconomy/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Bioeconomy","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"14 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/circular-economy/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Circular Economy","type":"tags"},{"content":"🌞💧🌿 Plataforma Solar de Almería - CIEMAT leads SOLDESALBIO, a new project that brings together solar energy, desalination, and marine biotechnology to promote the circular economy.\nFunded by the AGENCIA ESTATAL DE INVESTIGACIÓN and co-financed by ERDF, SOLDESALBIO explores innovative ways to integrate solar desalination systems with macroalgae cultivation — aiming for zero-carbon emissions in the combined production of freshwater, energy, and biomass.\nThe project, coordinated by Patricia Palenzuela from PSA’s Thermal Solar Applications Unit, includes two main research lines:\nSolar desalination, developed at PSA, and Brine reuse for macroalgae production, led by Cintia Gómez Serrano at the Universidad de Almería (UAL). SOLDESALBIO involves 13 researchers from PSA, UAL, and international partners such as ENSI – University of Tangier and EU SOLARIS.\nTogether, they aim to strengthen the energy–water–food nexus through sustainable innovation. 🌍\nCIEMAT Noticias ","date":"14 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/posts/2025/01/","section":"Posts","summary":"","title":"Kick-off meeting","type":"posts"},{"content":"","date":"14 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/sustainability/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Sustainability","type":"tags"},{"content":"With a background in Mechanical Engineering (BSc, 2019) and Industrial Engineering (MSc, 2024), he is currently pursuing a PhD at CIEMAT – Plataforma Solar de Almería, focusing on advanced control strategies for solar thermal applications and water desalination systems. His previous research experience includes indoor drone navigation using SLAM and particle filters, Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) for energy consumption analysis, and the enhancement of sensor systems for sports performance, including the development of a patented force measurement platform.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/aaron-poyatos/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Aarón Raúl Poyatos Bakker","type":"authors"},{"content":" SOLDESALBIO is a Spanish national coordinating project co-funded by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), part of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU), and by FEDER/EU, a way of making Europe.\nMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación, Agencia Estatal de Investigación y FEDER a way of making Europe | Funding entities The primary aim of the SOLDESALBIO project is to advance the Energy-Water-Food (EWF) nexus by evaluating an innovative CSP + D + B scheme that integrates renewable energy technologies with desalination systems and macroalgae production, being CSP from Concentrating Solar Power, D from Desalination and B from Biotechnology.\nProject Structure # SOLDESALBIO is organized into two subprojects:\nSubproject 1, led by CIEMAT-Plataforma Solar de Almería (CIEMAT-PSA). Subproject 2, led by the University of Almería (UAL). Both subproject groups collaborate at CIESOL, a joint research center between UAL and CIEMAT-PSA. They belong to the Desalination and Photosynthesis (BIO-352) research group, which focuses on the water-energy-food nexus.\nSubproject 1 # Evaluation of a compressed air driven Reverse Osmosis plant through a pressure exchanger Driven by CIEMAT-PSA under PID2024-159543OB-C31\nSubproject 2 # Production of macroalgae biomass hipersaline solutions from desalination processes Driven by UAL under PID2024-159543OA-C33\nWork Plan # SOLDESALBIO lasts for 3 years, from 2025 to 2028.\nThe project is structured into five work packages, as shown in the diagram below.\nflowchart TD %% --- CLASES CON COLORES SUAVES DE FONDO Y BORDES MÁS GRUESOS --- classDef coord fill:#cfe2f3,stroke:#1155cc,stroke-width:3px,color:black,fontWeight:bold; classDef core fill:#d9ead3,stroke:#38761d,stroke-width:3px,color:black,fontWeight:bold; classDef gold fill:#fff2cc,stroke:#f1c232,stroke-width:3px,color:black,fontWeight:bold; %% --- NODOS --- WP0[__WP0__ - Coordination] WP5[__WP5__ - Dissemination of the results] subgraph CORE[ ] direction TB subgraph UPPER[ ] direction LR WP1[__WP1__ - Experimentation] WP3[__WP3__ - Optimization] end WP2[__WP2__ - Modeling of components] WP4[__WP4__ - Annual simulations] end %% --- RELACIONES --- WP0 --\u003e CORE CORE --\u003e WP5 WP1 \u003c--\u003e WP3 UPPER \u003c--\u003e WP2 WP2 \u003c--\u003e WP4 %% --- ASIGNAR CLASES --- class WP0,WP5 gold class WP1,WP2,WP3,WP4 core %% --- ESTILOS DE SUBGRAFOS --- style CORE fill:#cfe2f3,stroke:#1155cc,stroke-width:3px,color:black style UPPER fill:#cfe2f3,stroke:#1155cc,stroke-width:3px,color:black %% --- ESTILOS DE LOS LINKS (BORDES PRIMARIOS Y MÁS GRUESOS) --- linkStyle 0 stroke:#1155cc,stroke-width:5px linkStyle 1 stroke:#1155cc,stroke-width:5px linkStyle 2 stroke:#38761d,stroke-width:5px linkStyle 3 stroke:#38761d,stroke-width:5px linkStyle 4 stroke:#38761d,stroke-width:5px Alignments # In the National framework, this coordinated project is aligned with the measures set out within Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación (PEICTI) 2024-2027 (State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2024-2027), which is in turn the instrument for developing and achieving the objectives of Estrategia Española de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (EECTI) 2021-2027 (Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2021-2027).\nIn the European framework, this project is aligned with Horizon Europe (2021-2027), with the EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change that will foster the development of innovative solutions to promote adaptation to climate change and encourage regions, cities and communities to lead the societal transformation.\nThe Team # CIEMAT - PSA # Research Team # Patricia Palenzuela PI Subproject \u0026amp; Coordinator Lidia Roca Senior Researcher Diego Martínez Plaza Researcher Working Team # Aicha Chorak Senior Researcher Alejandro Bueso PhD Student Aarón Poyatos Bakker PhD Student \u0026amp; Site creator Universidad de Almería # Research Team # Cintia Gómez Serrano PI Subproject F. Gabriel Acien Senior Researcher Guadalupe Pinna Hernández Senior Researcher Martina Ciardi Researcher Working Team # Victor Robles Carnero PhD Student Javier Garrido Romero PhD Student Entities # CIEMAT - Plataforma Solar de Almería | Coordinating entity University of Almería | Participating entity CIESOL | Participating entity ENSI | Collaborating entity EU-SOLARIS European Research Infrastructure Consortium | Collaborating entity Achievements # Relevant posts will be published here.\nContact Us # Patricia Palenzuela PI Subproject \u0026amp; Coordinator Cintia Gómez Serrano PI Subproject ","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/about/","section":"SOLDESALBIO project","summary":"","title":"About","type":"page"},{"content":"Dr. Aicha Chorak Franky is a Professor and Director of Research and Development at the École des Nouvelles Sciences et Ingénierie (ENSI) in Tangier, Morocco. She holds a Ph.D. in Energetics and a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Tangier, completed in collaboration with the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) – Center for Energy, Environmental, and Technological Research (CIEMAT, Spain), as well as a Master’s in Hospital Engineering and Architecture from the University of Cádiz (Spain).\nHer research expertise spans solar-powered seawater desalination, hybrid systems using absorption heat pumps, and energy efficiency and comfort in buildings. Dr. Chorak has coordinated numerous national and international renewable energy projects addressing water–energy nexus challenges and Near Zero Energy Buildings, in collaboration with partners from Spain, Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Switzerland, and Morocco.\nShe currently serves as Chargée des relations interuniversitaires et partenariats académiques arabophones with the Ambassade de l’Eau (AdE), promoting academic and institutional cooperation across Arab-speaking countries.\nDr. Chorak has authored multiple international publications, holds several patents, and is an active member of global scientific committees, including SolarPACES, AI2SD, and the Water Positive Think Tank. Her research focuses on integrating renewable energy systems and improving energy performance to advance net-zero emission goals in the water and construction sectors.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/aicha-chorak/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Aicha Chorak","type":"authors"},{"content":"Alejandro Bueso Sánchez graduated in Industrial Chemical Engineering from the University of Almeria in 2016. He then obtained a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the Universities of Almeria, Cadiz and Malaga in 2018. Between 2019 and 2020 he was hired by Sacyr to support the R\u0026amp;D department. In 2022, he obtained his Master\u0026rsquo;s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Almeria. Since 2022 he has started his research activity at CIEMAT-Plataforma Solar de Almería, where he is currently a PhD student in Biotechnology and Industrial Bioprocesses, researching desalination systems using solar membrane distillation for brine treatment.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/alejandro-bueso/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Alejandro Bueso Sánchez","type":"authors"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Authors","type":"authors"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/categories/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Categories","type":"categories"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/facilities/psa/","section":"Facilities","summary":"","title":"CIEMAT-PSA Facilities","type":"facilities"},{"content":"Dr. Cintia Gómez Serrano is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in microalgae and macroalgae biotechnology, with a strong track record in applied bioprocesses, environmental technology, and bioproduct development. She is author of 54 peer-reviewed publications, two patents, one book chapter, and has participated in 6 European and 13 national projects, serving as Principal Investigator in five of them. Her research spans microalgae cultivation (laboratory to pilot scale), wastewater treatment, microalgae–bacteria consortia dynamics, carbon capture, and the development of algae-based biofertilizers, plant biostimulants, and bioplastics. She has also designed processes for heavy metal removal using algal systems. Dr. Gómez Serrano has supervised one PhD thesis, nine Master’s theses, and eighteen Bachelor’s theses and currently co-supervises two doctoral students. She holds a PhD in Biotechnology and Industrial Bioprocesses (University of Almería, 2017), a Master’s in Advanced Biotechnology (University of Málaga, 2011), and a double Bachelor’s degree in Marine and Environmental Sciences (University of Cádiz, 2008). She carried out her doctoral studies and postdoctoral work at the Department of Chemical Engineering (UAL), with a postdoctoral fellowship from the Junta de Andalucía (until March 2025) and currently a recognized postdoctoral contract.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/cintia-gomez/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Cintia Gómez Serrano","type":"authors"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/facilities/","section":"Facilities","summary":"","title":"Facilities","type":"facilities"},{"content":"Francisco Gabriel Acién Fernández is a Full Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Almería (Spain) and Principal Investigator of several national and international research projects in the fields of microalgae biotechnology, renewable energies, wastewater valorisation, and circular bioeconomy. He has more than 25 years of experience in photobioreactor design, mass and radiation transfer, bioprocess engineering, and large-scale algae cultivation for high-value products, CO₂ capture, and wastewater treatment. He has coordinated or participated in over 20 European projects (Horizon Europe, CBE JU, Interreg, PRIMA, LIFE, etc.) and more than 90 national contracts with industry, including collaborations with biotech, water, energy, and agricultural companies. His scientific output includes more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and extensive contributions to technology transfer and pilot-scale validation of innovative algae-based solutions. Prof. Acién is internationally recognized for integrating engineering, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, promoting the development of advanced biorefineries and solar-driven bioprocesses.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/fgabriel-acien/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Francisco Gabriel Acién Fernández","type":"authors"},{"content":"I studied the Biotechnology Bachelor\u0026rsquo;s degree in the University Pablo de Olavide (Seville). Afterwards, I started working with microalgae during an Erasmus Traineeship at the University of Hamburg. Recently, I graduated from the Industrial and Agri-food Biotechnology Master\u0026rsquo;s at the University of Almeria, where I recently started my PhD.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/javier-garrido/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Javier Garrido Romero","type":"authors"},{"content":"She received the academic degree in Electronic Engineering by the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Granada (2004), Master\u0026rsquo;s in Solar Energy by the University of Almería (2007) and the PhD. degree in the University of Almería (2009), granted by the Extraordinary Doctorate Award in Engineering. Currently she belongs to the Solar Thermal Applications Unit at the Plataforma Solar de Almería. She has published 41 papers in scientific journals with impact index, 43 contributions to international conferences and 2 books. She has been involved in 17 national and international R\u0026amp;D projects.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/lidia-roca/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Lidia Roca","type":"authors"},{"content":"María Guadalupe Pinna Hernández has a research experience developed over 19 years through the public University of Almería (UAL), the private non-profit Research Foundation (CTAER) and the private enterprise (VELLSAM S.L.). The main research lines of her career are harnessing solar thermal energy, valorization of biomass waste, coupling of solar energy and biomass to different biotechnological processes, and the wastewater treatments to reclaim water (advanced oxidation processes), placing the lines within the circular economy. Pinna-Hernández has participated in 29 R\u0026amp;D projects, and she has been the principal investigator (PI) in 9 projects. She has led and participated in 16 R\u0026amp;D contracts with private enterprises (9 as PI) .Her scientific output comprises a wide range of peer-reviewed publications and noteworthy contributions to technology transfer and innovation activities. During the three professional positions, she developed international collaborations through international research projects and contact networks/platforms with 15 countries.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/guadalupe-pinna/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Maria Guadalupe Pinna Hernández","type":"authors"},{"content":"Dr. Martina Ciardi works in microalgae biotechnology, focusing on cultivation optimization at different scales, the sustainable treatment of agro-industrial effluents, and the improvement of harvesting processes. Her research spans from microalgal ecophysiology to the operation of pilot-scale systems under real conditions. Among her main contributions are the use of manure as the sole nutrient source, the optimization of thin-layer and raceway reactors, and the development of recirculation and contamination-control strategies, including AI-based methods. She has authored 23 scientific publications, mostly in Q1 journals, resulting from international collaborations. She has participated in multiple projects, outreach and training activities, and has received several grants and awards.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/martina-ciardi/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Martina Ciardi","type":"authors"},{"content":"Since 2014 she works as postdoctoral researcher at the Solar Thermal Applications Unit at PSA. She is author of 2 books and of 3 book chapters. She is co-author of 42 papers in SCI journals and 4 publications in technical journals and she has presented 50 contributions to different International Conferences. She has directed 2 doctoral thesis and has 1 currently ongoing. She has directed 3 Master Thesis and 1 Degree Final Project. H-index (June 2022): 20.\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/patricia-palenzuela/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Patricia Palenzuela","type":"authors"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/publications/","section":"Publications","summary":"","title":"Publications","type":"publications"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/series/","section":"Series","summary":"","title":"Series","type":"series"},{"content":"Below you’ll find the different logo formats and variants, optimized for digital use and general applications. All files are prepared to ensure the best quality across backgrounds, devices, and sizes.\nSVG format # Download SVG for light backgrounds Download SVG for dark backgrounds Raster formats # For light backgrounds # Download PNG 746px (standard) Download PNG 1166px Download PNG 1554px For dark backgrounds # Download PNG 746px (standard) Download PNG 1166px Download PNG 1554px Colors # Site color scheme # Brand main colors # Brand icon background colors # Brand neutral line colors # Usage Guidelines # Prefer SVG whenever possible to ensure maximum sharpness. Use the standard PNG size for small or common applications. Use the large PNG size for high-resolution displays or when larger assets are required. Always apply the official brand colors to maintain brand consistency. ","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/logo/","section":"SOLDESALBIO project","summary":"","title":"SOLDESALBIO project logos","type":"page"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/facilities/ual/","section":"Facilities","summary":"","title":"UAL \u0026 IFAPA Facilities","type":"facilities"},{"content":"Victor Robles is a PhD student in Advanced Biotechnology at the University of Malaga (UMA), researching more sustainable processes for the production and use of photosynthetic organisms (algae and plants) through the use of closed production systems and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA).\n","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/victor-robles/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Victor Alonso Robles Carnero","type":"authors"}]