Algal biofuels

ISRN Renewable Energy, 2012

Global energy use has reached unprecedented levels and increasing human population, technological integration, and improving lifestyle will further fuel this demand. Fossil fuel based energy is our primary source of energy and it will remain to be in the near future. The effects from the use of this finite resource on the fate of our planet are only now being understood and recognised in the form of climate change. Renewable energy systems may offer a credible alternative to help maintain our lifestyle sustainably and there are a range of options that can be pursued. Biofuels, especially algae based, have gained significant publicity recently. The concept of making biofuels, biochemicals, and by-products works well theoretically and at small scale, but when considering scaleup, many solutions can be dismissed on either economical or ecological grounds. Even if an (cost-) effective method for algae cultivation is developed, other input parameters, namely, fixed nitrogen and fresh water, remain to be addressed. Furthermore, current processing routes for harvesting, drying, and extraction for conversion to subsequent products are economically unattractive. The strategies employed for various algae-based fuels are identified and it is suggested that ultimately only an integrated algal biorefinery concept may be the way forward.

Energies

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.

HANDBOOK OF ALGAL BIOFUELS, 2022

We also want to thank Don O'Connor of (S&T) 2 Consultants Inc. for the final editing and layout of this report as well all the Task 39 member Country Representatives and IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee members for providing excellent constructive feedback on initial drafts of the report.

2012

The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a speci fi c statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication, neither the authors nor the editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.

Annals of Plant Sciences, 2018

The depleting energy resources and rising environmental issues have led to significant research in the field of producing fuel using alternative means. Biofuel can serve as better means to cope up with the depleting fossil and petroleum fuels. The novel properties of algae have set them as the best among all other biomasses and as a better alternative to the energy crisis. Algal biofuels are grouped under “Third generation biofuels” which has gained significant attention recently. Combustion of fossil and petroleum fuel releases sulphur dioxide in the air causing air pollution and acid rain. Most of the research on algal biofuel is done using microalgae which have high oil content along with faster growth rate. The potential of algae for producing biofuel can be improved by obtaining more efficient methods and by overcoming its certain limitations. The present review highlights the advantages, various types and production of algal biofuel.

Bioresource Technology, 2011

Biofuels made from algal biomass are being considered as the most suitable alternative energy in current global and economical scenario. Microalgae are known to produce and accumulate lipids within their cell mass which is similar to those found in many vegetable oils. The efficient lipid producer algae cell mass has been reported to contain more than 30% of their cell weight as lipids. According to US DOE microalgae have the potential to produce 100 times more oil per acre land than any terrestrial plants. This article reviews up to date literature on the composition of algae, mechanism of oil droplets, triacylglycerol (TAG) production in algal biomass, research and development made in the cultivation of algal biomass, harvesting strategies, and recovery of lipids from algal mass. The economical challenges in the production of biofuels from algal biomass have been discussed in view of the future prospects in the commercialisation of algal fuels.

US DOE OSTI, 2015

The Consortium for Algal Biofuel Commercialization (CAB-Comm) was established by competitive award in 2010 to conduct research to enable commercial viability of alternative liquid fuels produced from algal biomass. CAB- Comm was funded to carry out basic research on three key aspects of the algal biofuels value chain: crop protection; nutrient utilization and recycling; and the development of genetic tools. Two commercial partners, Sapphire Energy and Life Technologies, initially participated as key collaborators and cost share partners. In the final year of CAB-Comm funding, we also completed the worlds first EPA approved outdoor field tests of GMO algae, produced the world’s first algae based surfboard, and working with commercial partners Heliae and Triton Health and Nutrition, completed development of strains for commercial production of protein co-products. We also continue our hands on education programs that have to date trained over two hundred research scientists and laboratory technicians for employment in the algal biofuels industry, and expanded our web based Massive Open Online course (MOOC) called Our Energy Future that has educated over 50,000 students world wide to the benefits of sustainable alternative fuels produced from algae.