Print

Microalgae Technologies & Processes for Biofuels / Bioenergy Production in British Columbia Current Technology & Barriers to Implementation

   View
(2.9 Mb)

image

Covers three main technologies for production of algal biofuels

  • Phototropic cultivation in open raceways
  • Phototropic cultivation in closed photobioreactors(PBRs) and
  • Heterotrophic cultivation in closed fermenters

Findings were that:

Microalgae can potentially meet B.C.’s diesel needs, as it can produce larger amounts of oil on less land when compared to other sources like soybean and canola.

  • Since the harvesting process requires a high amount of CO2, algae-based technologies can have a high impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • High cost factors are a major challenge of making biofuels from algae, as none of the conversion processes examined can compete with the price fossil fuels.
  • Algae-to-bioenergy technologies are still in a pre-commercial stage and require further research and design to increase productivity and reduce costs - making their adoption unlikely in the near future.

    View appendices (separate 3.4 Mb PDF)
Author:

Seed Science Ltd

Type:
Report
Link:
   View
(2.9 Mb)

Back