Algae as a Promising Feedstock for Biorefineries

In recent years, the focus of research has shifted to third-generation fuels, particularly algae. This is in response to challenges such as the energy crisis, global warming, climate change, and increased socio-economic awareness of the impact of fossil-based fuels. Algae biomass, rich in biological elements like lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, emerges as a valuable feedstock for producing energy-dense products such as bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. However, the development of algal biofuels faces a significant dilemma due to high production costs, primarily associated with cultivation expenses. Previous literature has highlighted the economic impracticality of relying solely on the “only fuel” option, given the substantial production costs and associated expenditures. Consequently, extracting additional value-added products from algal biomass becomes imperative to justify the substantial investment in algae production and enhance its economic viability. In this context, the algae biorefinery approach emerges as a promising solution, allowing for the simultaneous production of multiple products alongside fuels in a single operation. Algae biorefineries can serve as a platform for a range of products, including various fuels such as biodiesel, biomethane, syngas, and byproducts used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The success of a biorefinery depends on creating seamless connections between the various input and output product streams. Overall, algae biorefineries open up new opportunities for the utilization of algae biomass in a multiproduct system.