Production of Biodiesel from Algae

Abstract

Biodiesel is a diesel fuel derived from animal or plant lipids (oils and fats). With the need to reduce carbon emissions, and the dwindling reserves of crude oil, liquid fuels derived from plant material – biofuels – are an attractive source of energy. Biodiesel produced from algae appears to be a feasible solution today for replacing petro-diesel completely. No other feedstock has the oil yield high enough for it to be in a position to produce such large volumes of oil. Studies have shown that some species of algae can produce 60% or more of their dry weight in the form of oil. Because the cells grow in aqueous suspension, where they have more efficient access to water, CO2 and dissolved nutrients, microalgae are capable of producing large amounts of biomass and usable oil in either high rate algal ponds or photo-bioreactors. This oil can then be turned into biodiesel which could be sold for use in automobiles. Also, regional production of microalgae and processing into biofuels will provide economic benefits to rural communities.