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Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy

We enhance the knowledge base for policymaking on the bioeconomy.

  • Topic / Tool | Last updated: 12 Jan 2026
Algae biomass

Access maps, visualisations and more resources on algae biomass: What kinds of algae are produced? How and where?

Bioeconomy Knowledge Centre

Brief me

Algae biomass production within a sustainable and circular Bioeconomy (2021).

  • Algae represent a largely untapped resource among the EU biomass producing sectors. We can use them for food and feed, cosmetics, fertilisers and fuels, creating new markets and jobs.
  • The term ‘algae’ covers single-celled microalgae cultivated in open ponds or in closed systems and macroalgae, harvested from wild stocks or cultivated in aquaculture systems.
  • Global production of algae has been growing from just 12 million tonnes in 2000 up to 37.7 million tonnes (wet weight) in 2022. Worldwide, algae are mainly cultivated: 97% originated from aquaculture in 2022.
  • By contrary in the EU, 90.7% (2022) of macroalgae biomass is harvested from wild stocks, but aquaculture systems are becoming more common. Despite the EU contributes by only 0.9% to the global production, the algae industry is already present in most Member States.

Find out more in the brief and explore further other resources!

Explore further

What does the EU do to support the algae sector?

Check-out this overview of the supporting actions and strategies for the algae sector.

EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism

The EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism is a service to share relevant knowledge, opportunities and experiences on EU Aquaculture.

EU4Algae platform

Participate in this collaboration platform that brings together a variety of European algae stakeholders.

Key publications on Algae

Explore this collection of publications, giving insights on the status and potential development of the EU algae sector.

Data on Algae

Browse algae related data by Eurostat, FAO and other reliable sources.

Visualisations and infographics on Algae

Discover how much the algae industry contributes to the EU bioeconomy.

Latest knowledge

PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES | 26 Jan 2026
The JRC Biomass Mandate
10 years of comprehensive biomass analysis - informing policy to ensure that biomass supply and uses are within ecological limits and EU policy goals.