Energy Production from Algal-Bacterial and Other Biosolids for Electricity

Sustainable production of energy is a main issue in any society. In this respect, the production of zero emission biofuels and green electricity are in the spotlights today. The production of energy for algae is not new, but new technologies, which are more efficient, scale-up and with cost reduction are under development. In this line, the production of power and electricity from algae and different biosolids are alternatives. The culture of microalgae-bacteria consortia in sewage sludge contribute to clean energy production and to sustainability. A greater insight on the control of the interactions between microalgae and other microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are being useful for enhancing the efficiency of microalgal biomass production and co-products. Attention must be paid to the controlled utilization of microalgae-bacteria consortia. Multi-anode sediment microbial fuel cells have the potential for real-scale implementation in order to produce electricity. The production of hydrogen and biogas are also main targets for the implementing of such technologies. This chapter includes several issues related to power and electricity production from algae, including several bio solids. The chapter explores from the basic fundamentals, to fuel cell technologies, type of electrodes, reactors, energy outputs and issues related to the scale-up and practical applications of these technologies, trends and future.