Abstract
Global increases in atmospheric CO2 and climate change are drawing considerable attention to identify sources of energy with lower environmental impact than those currently in use. Biodiesel production from microalgae lipids can, in the future, occupy a prominent place in energy generation because it represents a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuels. Several species of microalgae produce large amounts of lipids per biomass unit. Triacylglycerol is the fatty acid used for biodiesel production and the main source of energy reserves in microalgae. The current literature indicates that nutrient limitations can lead to triacylglycerol accumulation in different species of microalgae. Further efforts in microalgae screening for biodiesel production are needed to discover a native microalgae that will be feasible for biodiesel production in terms of biomass productivity and oil. This revision focuses in the biotechnological potential and viability of biodiesel production from microalgae. Brazil is located in a tropical region with high light rates and adequate average temperatures for the growth of microalgae. The wide availability of bodies of water and land will allow the country to produce renewable energy from microalgae.
Highlights
The use of renewable energy sources and reduction of environmental impacts is the main theme of the global public policy for reducing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on global climate change [1]
An increased of government and private initiatives related to financial support for projects focus on alternatives sources for biodiesel production were observed in Brazil
This work aims to present some fundamental aspects of microalgae screening, cultivation, lipid improvement, oil extraction and conversion related to advances and challenges in the generation of microalgae biodiesel in Brazil
Summary
The use of renewable energy sources and reduction of environmental impacts is the main theme of the global public policy for reducing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on global climate change [1]. In 2005, the addition of 2% biodiesel in diesel oil was mandated, which was successfully extended to 5% by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) in 2010, anticipating the three-year goal set by Law No 11.097 on January 13, 2005 To suit these targets, there was an increase in biodiesel production in the country. An increased of government and private initiatives related to financial support for projects focus on alternatives sources for biodiesel production were observed in Brazil. Those initiatives resulted in a growing number of scientific publications in the area and advances in order to optimize the cultivation and transpose laboratory scale to production scale. This work aims to present some fundamental aspects of microalgae screening, cultivation, lipid improvement, oil extraction and conversion related to advances and challenges in the generation of microalgae biodiesel in Brazil
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