Commercialization potential aspects of microalgae for biofuel production: An overview

Abstract

Biofuels are particularly important as an alternative fuel option for transportation. The sustainability of biofuels will depend on the development of viable, sustainable technologies that do not appear to be yet commercially viable. Successful development of algae-based biofuels and co-products industry requires the optimum combination of technical innovations in systems and processes, coupled with economic feasibility in the practical implementation and integrated scale-up for commercial production and marketing. This article discusses the importance of algae-based biofuels together with the different opinions regarding its future. Advantages and disadvantages of these types of biofuels are presented. Algal growth drives around the world with special emphasis to Egypt are outlined. The article includes a brief description of the concept of algal biorefineries. It also declares the five key strategies to help producers to reduce costs and accelerate the commercialization of algal biodiesel. The internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities, and threats are manifested through the SWOT analysis for micro-algae. Strategies for enhancing algae based-fuels are outlined. New process innovations and the role of genetic engineering in meeting these strategies are briefly discussed. To improve the economics of algal biofuels the concept of employing algae for wastewater treatment is presented.