Chapter 5 - Biofuel production from algal biomass: Technologies and opportunities addressing the global energy crisis

Abstract

The combustion of fossil fuels consumes approximately 84% of the world's primary energy. Extensive demand for fossil fuels has resulted in the overexploitation of nonrenewable resources and environmental damage. Concerns about the increased demand and fast exploitation of fossil fuel supplies, as well as global climate change, the spike in crude oil prices, and environmental degradation, have attracted researchers to explore for an alternate and sustainable energy source. Biofuel is a fuel generated from biological sources that are environmentally friendly and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For the future of renewable energy, microalgae and macroalgae are among the most promising sources of sustainable biofuel. Algae-based biofuels are third-generation biofuels that are favorable in terms of accessibility, sustainability, and production capacity. Algae biofuels include biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen, and biogas. Because of their high lipid content and quick development rate, microalgae such as dinoflagellates and bacillariophytes become relevant for biofuel generation, whereas macroalgae such as Ulva has gained in popularity as an energy source because their lower cost. This chapter discusses the state of algae-based biofuels as a renewable source, their bioconversion methods and technologies, and their future prospects.