Socioeconomic indicators for sustainable design and commercial development of algal biofuel systems

Abstract

Social and economic indicators can be used to support design of sustainable energy systems. Indicators representing categories of social well-being, energy security, external trade, profitability, resource conservation, and social acceptability have not yet been measured in published sustainability assessments for commercial algal biofuel facilities. We review socioeconomic indicators that have been modeled at the commercial scale or measured at the pilot or laboratory scale, as well as factors that affect them, and discuss additional indicators that should be measured during commercialization to form a more complete picture of socioeconomic sustainability of algal biofuels. Indicators estimated in the scientific literature include the profitability indicators, return on investment (ROI) and net present value (NPV), and the resource conservation indicator, fossil energy return on investment (EROI). These modeled indicators have clear sustainability targets and have been used to design sustainable algal biofuel systems. Factors affecting ROI, NPV, and EROI include infrastructure, process choices, and financial assumptions. The food security indicator, percent change in food price volatility, is probably zero where agricultural lands are not used for production of algae-based biofuels; however, food-related coproducts from algae could enhance food security. The energy security indicators energy security premium and fuel price volatility and external trade indicators terms of trade and trade volume cannot be projected into the future with accuracy prior to commercialization. Together with environmental sustainability indicators, the use of a suite of socioeconomic sustainability indicators should contribute to progress toward sustainability of algal biofuels.

Cyanobacteria as an eco‐friendly resource for biofuel production: A critical review

“…The economic aspects of biofuel production, including; resource requirements (CO 2 , nutrients, water), land requirement, installation and operation costs, and needs of energy are important factors in profitability of the third‐ and fourth‐generation biofuel production . Among all advantages, one of the main problems of biofuels is the cost of production .…”

“…In spite of all advantages, there are some environmental concerns for the application of genetically modified (GM) cyanobacteria for the biofuel production. The horizontal gene transfer and competition between the GM cyanobacteria and other microorganisms could affect the natural ecosystems . Nevertheless, the large‐scale cultivation of cyanobacteria and preparing them for biofuel production has not been economical, so far .…”

“…The horizontal gene transfer and competition between the GM cyanobacteria and other microorganisms could affect the natural ecosystems. 31,32 Nevertheless, the large-scale cultivation of cyanobacteria and preparing them for biofuel production has not been economical, so far. 2,33 The advent of the first application of biofuel in a car backs to the usage of peanut oil in the engine in 1900.…”

Algal food and fuel coproduction can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while improving land and water-use efficiency

“…Large-scale production of algal food and fuel products could have significant impacts on global energy, agricultural and land markets, leading to significant changes in global resource demands and greenhouse gas emissions (Efroymson et al 2016). Accounting for the impacts from the offset of fossil fuels typically focuses on the direct relative reductions in carbon emissions per unit of energy consumed (Sills et al 2013, Quinn andDavis 2014).…”

Geoengineering, marine microalgae, and climate stabilization in the 21st century

“…In contrast to conventional BECCS based on terrestrial plant production, the large‐scale production of marine microalgae from industrial facilities on land presents some interesting alternatives [ Huntley et al ., ; Department of Energy (DOE) , ; Efroymson et al ., ]. Bioenergy production from marine microalgae can have positive impacts on climate and food security, while avoiding many of the negative environmental consequences associated with terrestrial plant‐based BECCS [ Lenton , ; Walsh et al ., , ; Greene et al ., ].…”