Current Status and Potential for Algal Biofuels Production - A Report to IEA Bioenergy Task 39

There has been much recent speculation about the potential of algae to produce low carbon energy dense liquid biofuels suitable for uses such as aviation, or as petrol/gasoline and diesel replacements. IEA Bioenergy Task 39 is fortunate to have, within its extensive network, colleagues who have had long experience with algae technologies, both in terms of commercial growth of algae (as has occurred in Australia over many years of operating high productivity open ponds) and in assessing the technical status and potential of algal biofuels (as carried out by the United States' National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) during the Aquatic Species Program). The report covers potential benefits of microalgal oil production, algal cultivation, algal harvesting, extraction of algal oils, fuel production from algal feedstocks, and related topics.