International airport Schiphol will become the largest producer of algae in Europe. Basins covering a total area of 50,000 square meters should be finished and in full operation next spring and will produce around 150 tonnes of dry algae annually.

Shiphol partnered with the company Aquaphyto and tested a pilot basin of 1250 square meters. The test was successful and so they decided to scale up. The goal of the algae is to break down glycol and potassium acetate. Both substances are being used to make planes frost free in winter time. Even though both substances are biodegradable, they require  a lot of oxygen in the process of breaking down. This in turn leads to fish dying if the waste water is left untreated. Currently the waste water is captured and brought to waste water treatment companies. This method leaves a huge ecological footprint, just getting the water to the right place means driving up and down thousands of times a year. An added benefit: the algae will be sold to feed animals as it is rich in protein.