Promising Applications for the Production of Biofuels Through Algae

Abstract

The optimal exploitation of renewable energy had become a major concern to many countries of the world, especially in light of the worsening economic, environmental problems and crises facing the world. Therefore, many efforts have combined to produce cheap energy through reliance on a variety of sources. The production of biofuels is one of the fastest developed renewable energy sources in many countries. Some areas began to grow certain types of plants specifically designed for use in biofuels, such as maize and soybeans in the United States and Sugar cane in Brazil as well as palm oil in Southeast Asia. The production of bio-fuel technology faces a lot of criticism because of the continued expansion by some States for this type of energy, due to its adverse effects on the natural environment, food security and the soil, and leads to higher grain and food prices. The algae are one of the most important alternative sources with environmentally safe and low-cost in the production of biofuels. This chapter of the book will address the most important concepts related to the production of biofuels from algae. Starting with the biological characteristics of the algae to produce biofuels, Advantages of Algal feed-stocks, biodiesel production processes, opportunities and challenges and future prospects of algal biofuels.