Sunlight aims to create and to validate new biological resources and technologies for microalgae cultivation in outdoor closed photobioreactors. This project builds on recently acquired understanding of diatom life histories and molecular biology and expertise in the fields of microalgal production, lipid analysis and bioenergy production. In parallel, an economical analysis will identify the full future potential of diatom based products and technologies, in particular their pollution abatement potential, using an integrated economical life-cycle analysis.