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

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.
  
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