Cited by 99Algal biology and biofuel productionBioenergy crop production and managementMarine and coastal plant biology

Using macroalgae as biofuel: Current opportunities and challenges

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Gao, Guang, Burgess, James Grant, Wu, Min, Wang, Shujun, Gao, Kunshan·2020·Botanica Marina

Abstract

The rising global demand for energy and the decreasing stocks of fossil fuels, combined with environmental problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions, are driving research and development for alternative and renewable sources of energy. Algae have been gaining increasing attention as a potential source of bio-renewable energy because they grow rapidly, and farming them does not, generally, compete for agricultural land use. Previous studies of algal biofuels have focused on microalgae because of their fast growth rate and high lipid content. Here we analyze the multiple merits of biofuel production using macroalgae, with particular reference to their chemical composition, biomass and biofuel productivity, and cost-effectiveness. Compared to microalgae, macroalgae have lower growth rates and energy productivity but higher cost-effectiveness. A biomass productivity of over 73.5 t dry mass ha −1 year −1 with a methane yield of 285 m 3 t −1 dry mass would make electricity production from macroalgae profitable, and this might be achieved using fast-growing macroalgae, such as Ulva . Taking into account the remediation of eutrophication and CO 2 , exploring macroalgae for a renewable bioenergy is of importance and feasible.

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Crossref · 10.1515/bot-2019-0065

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172 of 172 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • A biomass productivity of over 73.5 t dry mass/ha/yr with a methane yield of 285 m3/t dry mass would make electricity production from macroalgae profitable, and this might be achieved using fast-growing macroalgae such as Ulva.

    “A biomass productivity of over 73.5 t dry mass · ha -1 · yr -1 with a methane yield of 285 m 3 · t -1 dry mass would make electricity production from macroalgae profitable, and this might be achieved using fast-growing macroalgae, such as Ulva [87].”

    From Key Targets for Improving Algal Biofuel Production (2021) · cites this paper as [87]

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Authors
Gao, G., Burgess, J. G., Wu, M., Wang, S., & Gao, K.
Affiliations
  • Xiamen University (CN)
  • Newcastle University (GB)
  • Jiangsu Ocean University (CN)
Corresponding author
  • Gao, Guang
  • Gao, Kunshan
Venue
Botanica Marina
Published
2020-03-20
Volume
63
Issue
4
Pages
355-370
ISSN
  • 0006-8055 (ISSN-L)
  • 1437-4323
OpenAlex
W3011450027
Cited by
99
References
172
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 1
FWCI
2.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Botanica Marina (publishedVersion)
  • Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Bioenergy crop production and management
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Oceanography › Marine and coastal plant biology
Keywords
seaweed, algal biofuels, bioenergy, methane production, biomass productivity, cost-effectiveness, Ulva, CO2 sequestration, chemical composition, renewable energy

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