Algal Biofuels: Current Status and Key Challenges

Abstract

The current fossil fuel reserves are not sufficient to meet the increasing demand and very soon will become exhausted. Pollution, global warming, and inflated oil prices have led the quest for renewable energy sources. Algal biofuels represent a potential source of renewable energy. Algae, as the third generation feedstock, are suitable for biodiesel and bioethanol production due to their quick growth, excellent biomass yield, and high lipid and carbohydrate contents. With their huge potential, algae are expected to surpass the first and second generation feedstocks. Only a few thousand algal species have been investigated as possible biofuel sources, and none of them was ideal. This review summarizes the current status of algal biofuels, important steps of algal biofuel production, and the major commercial production challenges.

Techno-Economic Study of CO2 Capture of a Thermoelectric Plant Using Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) for Production of Feedstock for Bioenergy

“…On the other hand, recent researches to improve the cost of obtaining microalgae has focused on the use of waste and integrating the co-production of high-value compounds [39]. CO 2 sequestration using a biorefinery approach, through interconnection with the cultivation of microalgae, is an interesting idea, since the waste generated from power plants or other industrial facilities is used [34,40].…”

Influence of Photoperiods on Microalgae Biofilm: Photosynthetic Performance, Biomass Yield, and Cellular Composition

“…Because of their fast growth rate, low nutrient requirements, and high lipid contents, microalgae have immense potential as biological sources to produce biofuels, high-value biomolecules, and feeds [1][2][3][4]. Unfortunately, at present, the energy requirements and costs of microalgae-based commodities are still relatively high, which hinders their broad commercialization [5][6][7]. Recently, several studies have reported that cultivating microalgae as biofilm (where cells are attached to a solid surface) can substantially reduce energy requirement and enhance economic feasibility of microalgae-based biorefineries, owing to the high photosynthetic efficiency, high biomass productivity, 2 of 10 and low cost of harvesting [8][9][10][11][12].…”

The Follow-up Photobioreactor Illumination System for the Cultivation of Photosynthetic Microorganisms

“…By definition a renewable resource, biomass remains an important aspect of the search for sustainable energy sources [1]. This includes not only refuse and energetic wood plantations, but also specially grown algae [2]. Algae-derived biomass may be used for energy production, whether by simple firing or co-firing with refuse-derived fuels, other biomass, or non-renewable fuels, or through production of biofuels [3].…”