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Algae-based biofuels: a Review of Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries






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    Book (stand-alone)
    Algae-Based Biofuels
    A Review of Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries
    2009
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    Algae have recently received a lot of attention as a new biomass source for the production of renewable energy. Some of the main characteristics which distinguish algae from other biomass sources are: algae have a high biomass yield per unit of light and area; have a high oil or starch content; do not require agricultural land nor fresh water for growth; and wastewater and CO2 (by combustion gas) can be used as nutrients. The different technological components and the most common systems for culturing algae for energy purposes are discussed in this paper together with sustainability aspects. Several existing sets of sustainability criteria for biofuels are analysed for applicability, followed by an analysis of opportunities and risks of algae-based biofuel production. Furthermore, suitability and environmental, economic and social sustainability of this option for biofuel production is discussed in the context of potential and threats for dev eloping countries.
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    Algae-based Biofuels
    Applications and Co-products
    2010
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    The possible competition for land makes it impossible to produce enough first generation biofuel to offset a large percentage of the total fuel consumption for transportation. As opposed to land-based biofuels produced from agricultural feedstocks, cultivation of algae for biofuel does not necessarily use agricultural land and requires only negligible amounts of freshwater, and therefore competes less with agriculture than first generation biofuels. Combined with the promise of high productivi ty, direct combustion gas utilization, potential wastewater treatment, year-round production, the biochemical pathways and cellular composition of algae can be influenced by changing cultivation conditions and therefore tailored on local needs. On the other hand, microalgae, as opposed to most plants, lack heavy supporting structures and anchorage organs which pose some technical limitations to their harvesting. The reasons for investigating algae as a biofuel feedstock are strong but thes e reasons also apply to other products that can be produced from algae. There are many products in the agricultural, chemical or food industry that could be produced using more sustainable inputs and which can be produced locally with a lower impact on naturalresources. Co-producing some of these products together with biofuels, can make the process economically viable, less dependent from imports and fossil fuels, locally self sufficient and expected to generate new jobs, with a positive ef fect on the overall sustainability. This document provides an overview of practical options available for co-production from algae and their viability and suitability for developing countries.
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