Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Algae: Advanced Biofuels and Other Opportunities

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Liquid Biofuels: Emergence, Development and Prospects

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Energy ((LNEN,volume 27))

  • 857 Accesses

Abstract

Despite the challenges, depending on the local conditions and practices, renewable energy sources are already a significant contribution to the energy mix. Although this is true for electricity generation, the same does not apply for the transportation sector, where the available renewable sources are limited and still have a modest impact in the overall consumption. In this context, advanced biofuels such as microalgae are worldwide believed to be a better choice for achieving the goals of incorporating non-food-based biofuels into the biofuel market and overcoming land-use issues. Compared to other biofuel technologies, the most favorable factors for the cultivation of microalgae for the production of biofuels are they can be grown in brackish water and on non-fertile land, and the oil yield production is far superior. Main challenges are currently the feasibility of large-scale commercialization, since the majority of economic and financial analyses rely on pilot-scale projects. Environmental issues are most likely to diverge opinions from experts. This chapter presents a review of microalgae cultivation (species, usage, processes, and culture) and biofuel production, highlighting advantages and challenges of algae biofuel.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    http://www.powerplantccs.com/ccs/cap/fut/alg/alg_carbonation.html.

References

  • Ahmad AL, Yasin NHM, Derek CJC, Lim JK (2011) Microalgae as a sustainable energy source for biodiesel production: a review. Renew Sustain Energ Rev 15(1):584–593. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2010.09.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benemann JR (2012) Microalgae biofuels and animal feeds: an introduction, pp 1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Brennan L, Owende P (2010) Biofuels from microalgae—a review of technologies for production, processing, and extractions of biofuels and co-products. Renew Sustain Energ Rev 14(2):557–577

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown LM (1996) Uptake of carbon dioxide from flue gas by microalgae. Energ Convers Manage 37(6):1363–1367

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buford M, DuPont A, Widman N, Ferrell J, Miller M, Bastian H, Steiner J, Lowenfish M, Wight B (2012) Bioenergy feedstock best management practices: summary and research needs. Biomass Research and Development Board. http://www.biomassboard.gov/pdfs/bioenergy_feedstocks_bmps.pdf. Accessed 30 May 2014

  • Cantrell KB, Ducey T, Ro KS, Hunt PG (2008) Livestock waste-to-bioenergy generation opportunities. Bioresour Technol 99(17):7941–7953

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castanheira E, Silva PP (2010) Governance of the emerging biofuel markets in European Union: the Portuguese context. Glob Bus Econ Rev 12:230–251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen P, Min M, Chen Y, Wang L, Li Y, Chen Q, Yiqin W, et al (2009) Review of the biological and engineering aspects of algae to fuels approach. Int J Agri Bio Eng 2(4). doi:10.3965/j.issn.l934-6344.2009.04.001-030

  • Chisti Y (2007) Biodiesel from Microalgae. Biotechnol Adv 25:294–306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clarens AF, Resurreccion EP, White MA, Colosi LM (2010) Environmental life cycle comparison of algae to other bioenergy feedstocks. Environ Sci Technol 44(5):1813–1819

    Google Scholar 

  • EC (2012) Com 2012/0288, Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources

    Google Scholar 

  • EU 2010 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament The Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of December 10th, 2010, energy 2020: a strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy, Council of the European Union, Brussels

    Google Scholar 

  • EU 2009 Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 23rd, 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC, Council of the European Union, Brussels

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira AF, Ribeiro LA, Batista AP, Marques PASS, Nobre BP, Palavra AMF, Silva PPV, Gouveia L, Silva CA (2013) Biorefinery from Nannochloropsis sp. microalga—energy and CO2 emission and economic analyses. Bioresour Tecnol 138:235–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghirardi ML, Zhang L, Lee JW, Flynn T, Seibert M, Greenbaum E, Melis A (2000) Microalgae: a green source of renewable H2. Trends Biotechnol 18(12):506–511

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Groom MJ, Gray EM, Townsend PA (2008) Biofuels and biodiversity: principles for creating better policies for biofuel production. Conserv Biol 22(3):602–609

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunaseelan VN (1997) Anaerobic digestion of biomass for methane production: a review. Biomass Bioenergy 13(1–2):83–114

    Google Scholar 

  • Huesemann M, Roesjadi G, Benemann J, Metting FB (2010) Biofuels from microalgae and seaweeds, biomass to biofuels: strategies for global industries. Wiley, West Sussex

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirano A, Ueda R, Hirayama S, Ogushi Y (1997) CO2 fixation and ethanol production with microalgal photosynthesis and intracellular anaerobic fermentation. Energ 22(2–3):137–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnstone N, Hascic I, Popp D (2010) Renewable energy policies and technological innovation: evidence based on patent counts. Environ Resource Econ 45:133–155

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Junginger HM, Lako P, Lensink S, van Sark WGJHM, Weiss M (2008) Technological learning in the energy sector. ECN, Group Science, Technology and Society, Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands

    Google Scholar 

  • Mendes R, Fernández H, Coelho J, Reis E, Cabral J, Novais J, Palabra A (1995) Supercritical CO2 extraction of carotenoids and other lipids from Chlorella vulgaris. Food Chem 53:99–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mcgraw L (2009) The ethics of adoption and development of algae-based biofuels. UNESCO, Bangkok

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD (2011) Fostering innovation for green growth. OECD green growth studies, OECD Publishing [internet] 1. [cited 3 jun 4]. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264119925-en

  • Oligae Report: Academic Edition (2010) [internet]. [cited 2010 nov 23], Available from: http://www.oligae.com/

  • Ono E, Cuello JL (2006) Feasibility assessment of microalgal carbon dioxide sequestration technology with photobioreactor and solar collector. Biosyst Eng 95(4):597–606

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patil V, Tran K-Q, Giselrød HR (2008) Towards sustainable production of biofuels from microalgae. Int J Mol Sci 9(7):1188–1195. doi:10.3390/ijms9071188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pienkos PT, Darzins A (2009) The promise and challenges of microalgal-derived biofuels. Biofuels, Bioprod Biorefin 3(4):431–440

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Popp D (2002) Induced innovation and energy prices. American Economic Rev 92:160–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Popp D, Hascic I, Medhi N (2011) Technology and the diffusion of renewable energy. Energ Econ 33:648–662

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pulz O (2001) Photobioreactors: production systems for phototrophic microorganisms. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 57(3):287–293

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pulz O, Scheibenbogen K (1998) Photobioreactors: design and performance with respect to light energy input. Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol 38:123–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin J (2005) Bio-hydrocarbons from algae—impacts of temperature, light and salinity on algae growth. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Barton, Australia

    Google Scholar 

  • Rengel A (2008) Promising technologies for biodiesel production from algae growth systems. In: 8th European IFSA symposium, vol 2. Clermont-Ferrand, pp 6–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro LA, Silva PPV (2013) Surveying techno-economic indicators of microalgae biofuel technologies. Renew Sustain Energ Rev 25:89–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodolfi L, Zittelli GC, Bassi N, Padovani G, Biondi N, Bonini G, Trdici MR (2008) Microalgae for oil: strain selection, induction of lipid synthesis and outdoor mass cultivation in a low-cost photobioreactor. Biotechnol Bioeng 102(1):100–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roessler PG (1990) Environmental control of glycerolipid metabolism in microalgae: commercial implications and future research directions. J Phycol 26:393–399

    Google Scholar 

  • Schumpeter JA (1934) The theory of economic development: an inquiry into profits, capital, credit, interest, and the business cycle. Harvard University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Searchinger T, Heimlich R, Houghton RA (2008) Use of U.S. croplands for biofuels increases greenhouse gases through emissions from land-use change. Sci 319(5867):1238–1240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sheehan J, Dunahay T, Benemann J, Roessler P (1998) A look back at the US department of energy’s aquatic species program: biodiesel from algae, NREL/TP-580-24190. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Singh J, Gu S (2010) Commercialization potential of microalgae for biofuels production. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 14(9):2596–2610

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh RN, Sharma S (2012) Development of suitable photobioreactor for algae production—a review. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 16:2347–2353

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slade R, Bauen A (2013) Micro-algae cultivation for biofuels: cost, energy balance, environmental impacts and future prospects. Biomass Bioenergy 53:29–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Söderholm P, Klaassen G (2007) Wind power in Europe: a simultaneous innovation–diffusion model. Environ Resource Econ 36:163–190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spolaore P, Joannis-Cassan C, Duran E, Isambert A (2006) Commercial applications of microalgae. J Biosci Bioeng 101(2):87–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subhadra BG, Edwards M (2011) Coproduct market analysis and water footprint of simulated commercial algal biorefineries. Appl Energy 88:3515–3523

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • US Department of Energy (DOE) (2010) Office of energy efficiency and renewable energy, biomass program, National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2013) (US EPA) [internet] [cited mar 15]. Available from: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/index.htm

  • Ugwu CU, Aoyagi H, Uchiyama H (2008) Photobioreactors for mass cultivation of algae. Bioresour Technol 99(10):4021–4028

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Lauro André Ribeiro and Patrícia Pereira da Silva would like to acknowledge that this work has been partially supported by FCT under project grant PEst-C/EEI/UI0308/2011 and from the Brazilian National Council for the Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES). This paper has been framed under the Energy for Sustainability Initiative of the University of Coimbra and supported by the R&D Project EMSURE Energy and Mobility for Sustainable Regions (CENTRO 07 0224 FEDER 002004).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra and INESCC, R. Antero de Quental, 199, 3030-030, Coimbra, Portugal

    Lauro A. Ribeiro

  2. Management School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Washington Luiz, 855, 90010-460, Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Patrícia Dias & Luis Felipe Nascimento

  3. School of Economics, University of Coimbra and INESCC, R. Antero de Quental, 199, 3030-030, Coimbra, Portugal

    Patrícia Pereira da Silva

Authors
  1. Lauro A. Ribeiro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Patrícia Dias
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Luis Felipe Nascimento
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Patrícia Pereira da Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lauro A. Ribeiro .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Agribusiness Center (CEPAN/UFRGS), School of Management, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Antonio Domingos Padula

  2. Department of Business Management, State University of Western Paraná, Foz do Iguacu, Brazil

    Manoela Silveira dos Santos

  3. Agribusiness Center (CEPAN/UFRGS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Omar Inácio Benedetti Santos

  4. School of Management, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

    Denis Borenstein

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer-Verlag London

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ribeiro, L.A., Dias, P., Nascimento, L.F., da Silva, P.P. (2014). Algae: Advanced Biofuels and Other Opportunities. In: Domingos Padula, A., Silveira dos Santos, M., Benedetti Santos, O., Borenstein, D. (eds) Liquid Biofuels: Emergence, Development and Prospects. Lecture Notes in Energy, vol 27. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6482-1_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6482-1_12

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-6481-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-6482-1

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation