Optimised Micro-algae Cultivation for Biodiesel Production

There are growing concerns surrounding the uses of fossil fuels and their consequences: CO2 emissions, climate change, environmental degradation, depletion of reserves and rising oil prices. These issues are forcing governments, policymakers, scientists, and researchers to find alternative energy sources. The biofuel production from renewable biomass is considered one of the most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and a viable means for environmental and economic sustainability. Third generation biofuels refers to biofuels derived from algae; microalgae are very efficient biological systems that help to fix atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis. Different biofuels can be derived from microalgae biomass, being the most important biodiesel and biogas. The microalgae intracellular lipids are converted to biodiesel through the transesterification process. Many algae species have high lipids content, sometimes over 80% of their dry weight, making them optimum precursors for biodiesel production. Cultivation and dewatering have been identified as essential stages for biofuel production from microalgae biomass. Microalgae dewatering is the highest energy-consuming step on the biofuel production process; an optimized dewatering method will reduce the energy requirements achieving cost-efficient process.

This research project aims to optimize the cultivation and dewatering steps on the microalgae production chain for biodiesel production. The effect of different cultivation parameters such as light wavelength, light cycles and culture media composition on the algae’s growing rates and lipid content will be analysed. Suitable dewatering techniques will be studied and optimized for minimum energy requirements.

Programme Start Date: 1st October 2023