In silico study of hybrid renewable energy in microalgae facilities: A path towards net-zero emissions

Abstract

The decarbonization of electricity use has become indispensable in the fight against climate change and can be seen as a business opportunity. Investing in green electricity is becoming a trend and, in the microalgae industry, the initiative can improve the sustainability of the processes and products. In this sense, we seek to assess the environmental and economic sustainability of the commercial microalgae-based products by the solar–wind hybrid renewable electricity integration into manufacturing processes. Besides that, geospatial variability and availability of hybrid renewable electricity resources have been mapped. The results indicate that the production of 1 ton/month of the main commercial microalgae-based products (whole dry biomass, β-carotene, phycocyanin, astaxanthin, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid), using solar-wind electricity saves on the order of 70 to 89% of the environmental impacts in the categories of ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, photochemical ozone creation potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, and ecotoxicity. Also indicate that the implementation of an on-grid solar-wind electrical system can reduce the plant's electricity invoice by more than 80% per year. The greatest theoretical potential for implementing solar-wind systems is experienced in West and North Africa, Australasia, and the Middle East. The results found in this study provide substantial evidence that investing in renewable electricity can bring environmental and economic benefits.