“We’ve evaluated a lot of projects and quite a few prototypes, and this device seems to me to be the most robust for collecting algae in the shortest amount of time.», said Councilwoman Sylvie Gustave-dit-Duflo, chair of the Environment Committee. “In 48 hours, it might be a tight squeeze, but in 2, 3, or 4 days, it might be doable.».
The cost of the project could be around 1.5 million euros, co-financed by the government. Serge Bideau, the prefect in charge of the Sargassum mission, who was present for this site visit, seemed quite positive: “The government is ready to invest; now this initiative will be evaluated by ADEME and the DEAL and reviewed by Guadeloupe’s Sargassum Task Force, which will decide whether or not to give the green light.».
If the collaboration is approved, “The estimated timeframe is 8 months, but we’re well aware of the urgency, so everything is ready to go, and we’ll do everything we can to deliver in 4 months.» explains Cyril Thabard, managing director of CDO’Innov.
The issue of how to make use of Sargassum must also be addressed; “Algaclean» offers a “jacuzzi»-style system that processes the seaweed and removes any other materials, such as sand. In the Vendée region, for example, the recovered seaweed can be used as pig feed.
