The concept of "integrated eco-biotechnology," as its title implies, involves extracting climate-neutral organic carbon from lands no longer in use; this carbon can then be used as a basis for fuels and energy generation, as well as raw materials for chemical industries. The results from Leipzig University's "Neue Grüne Chemie" (New Green Chemistry) research team serve as a starting point. 

Scientists led by Professor Christian Wilhelm have succeeded in using algae to produce organic carbon in the form of glycolic acid without having to form biomass. This makes the process many times more efficient than conventional biotechnology, which uses starch from crops that would otherwise be used as food.

Since 2018, Fraunhofer IMW has been participating in the "IntÖB" consortium and, in addition to providing strategic support, is also carrying out acceptance research in the region of Lusatia, measuring the population's attitudes toward potential structural changes. The members of the consortium are currently working on the continuation of the research project, which was supported by the BMBF until 2018.