Algae

Biofuel Source

Algae can be categorised as macroalgae which are commonly known as Seaweed and microalgae which are sometimes known as phytoplankton. Both macroalgae and microalgae naturally produce energy rich oils as they grown, that can provide alternatives to liquid fossil fuels.

Algae may be cultivated at varying scales and engineered to maximise the levels and characteristics of the oils they produce. These fuels sometimes describes as ‘algae fuels’, ‘algal biofuels’ or ‘algal oil’, may be harvested and processed to produce a range of chemicals and biofuels.

Algae fuels may provide an attractive Bioenergy option as they may be produced at scale with minimal impact on fresh water resources, can be produced using saline and wastewater, have a high flash point, and are biodegradable and relatively harmless to the environment if spilled. A key challenge for algal fuels is the cost, which is typically higher per unit mass than other second-generation biofuel crops due to high capital and operating costs.