Algae Biofuels

Abstract

Biofuels represent today a global commodity, with 110 billion liters produced in 2012, covering approximately 3% of world's transport fuel demand (on an energy equivalent base): IEA estimates that the world biofuels production will reach 2.36 mb/day (135 billion liters/year) in 2018, equal to 4% road transport fuel demand, an increase of 0.48 mb/day compared to 2012. In parallel to increased production, thanks to advanced biofuel technology development and commercialization, further optimization and process integration of conventional technologies will promote the use of unconventional feedstock. Among these, algae are expected to play a major role in the medium‐to‐long‐term scenario, especially in the biorefinery configuration. Algae, in fact, offer a very attractive opportunity for sustainable biofuels and biochemicals/food/feed production, given their high productivity per unit land and their unique biochemical characteristics. On the other hand, the development of commercially viable algae production routes still represents a major challenge, either from a strictly technical or from an economic viewpoint. This article briefly examines the basic issues in algae cultivation and conversion to biofuel: first, the peculiar characteristics of this unconventional biomass feedstock are described, and then cultivation techniques are shown, focusing on microalgae. Market opportunities for algae products are also addressed and fundamental economic considerations are developed.

Lipid Extracted Microalgal Biomass Residue as a Fertilizer Substitute for Zea mays L.

“…We found that the LMBRs deserved proper exploitation as fertilizer substitute as they are rich in plant nutrients. Considering the state of the art of algal production and post-harvest technology, the current production of biofuel from microalgae is technically feasible, but its economic feasibility is still a major challenge (Chiaramonti et al, 2015 ). The results of the present experiment applying the biorefinery concept to valorize the LMBR as a plant nutrient source is one of the ways to achieve economic sustainability of algal biofuel.…”

“…The biofuel sector is specifically interested in carbohydrates (mainly C6) and lipids (mainly C16–C22), the amount of which could vary as a function of the algae species, strains, and the cultivation methods adopted (Chiaramonti et al, 2015 ). The current worldwide algae biomass production has been projected to be at more than 20,000 dry tons per year (Verdelho, 2013 ; Zittelli et al, 2013a , b ; Chiaramonti et al, 2015 ). However, the algae market is expected to grow as the constraints of algal production are overcome and the cost of production is reduced.…”