Cork study to probe feasiblity of turning marine matter into fuels and fertilisers

A feasibility study into a marine biorefinery in Castletownbere in West Cork was recently launched.

The project was unveiled by the Mara Blue initiative, with support from Enterprise Ireland and Cork County Council.

A marine biorefinery is a sustainable industrial facility that processes materials like algae, seaweed, and fish waste into products like biofuels, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and fertilisers.

The proposed facility is intended to serve as a 'living lab' for developing and demonstrating new products and circular economy solutions, and it is intended it would operate as dedicated, not-for-profit entity.

The project is being led by Munster Technological University (MTU) in collaboration with Pure Ocean Algae and the Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-Op. It would be Ireland’s first full-scale marine biorefinery.

Michael O’Neill, managing director of Pure Ocean Algae, said that the project “could unlock economic potential, drive innovation, and ensure our marine resources are used sustainably for generations to come.” 

Professor Maggie Cusack, MTU president, added: “This feasibility study represents the first critical step in bringing this world-class marine biorefinery to life.

“By demonstrating the viability of a circular, sustainable, and commercially robust blue bioeconomy, the feasibility study will pave the way for the south-west region to become a global leader in marine innovation, environmental stewardship, and regional regeneration.” 

Earmarked for Dinish Island in Castletownbere, and subject to validation of the commercial and technical viability of the initiative, the proposed facility will seek to focus on functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, sustainable agricultural inputs, and biomedical ingredients.

Darragh Cotter, south west regional manager for Enterprise Ireland, said that the feasibility study will enable the evaluation of the technical, commercial, and community potential for a marine biorefinery in the region, which may help realise the long term opportunities for the processing and exports of marine bioproducts.