The Spain-based Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) has launched the SARGEX (Sargassum Bioeconomy: from coastal biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More to advanced sustainable materials) project to address the growing environmental risks associated with large-scale Sargassum blooms. Coordinated by researchers from UAB’s plant physiology and chemical separation groups, the four-year initiative brings together nine partners from Europe and Cuba to develop sustainable pathways for managing coastal biomass. The project focuses on transforming accumulated Sargassum into value-added products, including biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More for soil restoration and carbon storage, agricultural bioinputs, and biogas. Supported by the Horizon Europe MSCA Staff Exchanges programme, SARGEX aims to establish circular bioeconomy models and improve climate resilience as the threat of Sargassum expansion increases beyond the Caribbean toward European waters.

The primary challenge addressed by the project is the environmental and economic burden posed by uncontrolled Sargassum proliferation. Large accumulations of the brown algae are already affecting Caribbean coastal regions, damaging marine ecosystems, fisheries, and tourism while generating public health concerns through the release of toxic gases. Cleanup operations impose substantial costs on coastal communities, and unmanaged biomass contributes to biodiversity degradation. Climate-driven changes, including rising sea temperatures and altered ocean currents, are expected to extend the phenomenon to European regions such as the Mediterranean and Baltic. This emerging risk highlights the need for sustainable biomass management strategies that can mitigate environmental impacts while supporting long-term resource utilization.

The SARGEX project proposes an integrated technical approach to convert Sargassum into useful products through modular, minimal-waste processing systems. The initiative combines advanced pretreatment methods, biorefining processes, and sustainable chemistry to enable biomass valorization. Biochar production is a central component, supporting applications in soil restoration and carbon storage. Additional outputs include agricultural bioinputs and renewable energy through biogas generation. The consortium includes academic and industry partners such as the University of Naples Federico II, the University of Antwerp, Blue EcoTech LTD, Aeris Tecnologías Ambientales, and Sustainable Innovation Technology Services Limited, covering the value chain from biomass characterization to agronomic application and environmental assessment.

Expected outcomes include improved coastal biomass management systems, development of sustainable materials, and advancement of circular bioeconomy practices aligned with European Union climate strategies. The project seeks to reposition Sargassum from an environmental liability to an economic resource, supporting soil enhancement and carbon storage objectives while strengthening technological capacity for marine biomass utilization. With a budget of €886,770, SARGEX is positioned to generate technical knowledge and collaborative frameworks that may inform future biochar deployment and coastal management strategies across Europe and beyond.