Microalgae biofuel is a cost-effective alternative fuel source made from algae. Algae are grown in open ponds, closed loop systems or photobioreactors, harvested, and dried for use in the production process. Closed-loop systems and photobioreactors reuse CO2 emissions from factories to fuel algae growth. Microalgae biofuel is a green alternative fuel that produces neutral CO2 emissions. Using microalgae-based biofuels reduces environmental impact, reliance on fossil fuels, and fuel costs, providing tax benefits and government subsidies.
Microalgae biofuel is an alternative fuel source made up of the oils and carbohydrates found in algae. The process of producing biofuel from algae is adapted from similar biodiesel production methods using processes, such as transesterification and fermentation, to create fuel from plants such as corn and soybeans. Using algae for biodiesel and crude oil production is often more cost-effective because algae grown hydroponically produce more oil than similar amounts of plants growing in soil.
The process of making biofuel for microalgae is quite simple. Algae are grown in open ponds, closed loop systems or photobioreactors. These algae are harvested and dried for use in the microalgae biofuel production process. The oils are then extracted from the algae and converted into biodiesel or a form of crude oil with a green tint via transesterification. The remaining material is used to create bioethanol or biobutanol by a fermentation process.
Algae cultivation methods have been an area of great concern for biofuel producers. Algae grow rapidly compared to other fuel crops, with an average harvest cycle of one to ten days. While algae can be successfully grown and harvested from open ponds, these ponds are prone to contamination. Closed-loop systems and photobioreactors are designed to prevent the possibility of external contamination but come with their own drawbacks in the form of collection difficulty, operational costs and upfront investment.
Due to the demand for a constant supply of sterile carbon dioxide (CO2), many closed loop systems and photobioreactors are designed to have a symbiotic relationship with industrial smokestacks. In this project, the algae farming equipment reuses CO2 emissions from the factory to fuel algae growth for biofuel production. It should be noted that while microalgae biofuel is considered a green alternative fuel, it simply produces a neutral CO2 emission because the CO2 captured during the growth phase is released when the biofuel is burned. The advantage of using biofuels is that these CO2 neutral fuels can eliminate the additional atmospheric CO2 caused by burning CO2 positive fossil fuels.
Using microalgae-based biofuels offers several distinct benefits to industries and consumers. By growing algae for biofuel production, industries can reduce their impact on the environment, often obtaining tax benefits and government subsidies that are passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices. In some cases, industries can use and generate microalgae-based biofuels in the same vicinity, thus providing fuel to the factory and generating the CO2 needed for the algae growth process. The benefits of using biofuels can also be seen in reduced reliance on fossil fuels and reduced fuel costs, especially in the aviation and transportation sectors.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
