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The future of algal biofuel production
Despite the widespread optimism surrounding algal biofuels as a key contributor
to the future of energy sustainability and security, current cost projections have
indicated that the cost per litre of biofuels under current systems must be reduced
significantly in order to meet commercial demands. Expensive cultivation systems and high energy input processes, previously discussed, are responsible for these high costs. Overcoming these challenges by introducing innovative cost effective methods will be the key to the success of the industry.
Photo courtesty of Eco-innovation
This area of clean technology is still in its infancy with a huge and diverse area of scope for future improvements. This section of the website will look at different Biological and Engineering approaches either in the pipeline or at the initial research stages of development.
Biological approaches
Breakthroughs in genome sequencing techniques have enabled scientists to study algal species at the DNA level. DNA is found in every living cell and provides the blueprints that determine the characteristics of all living things. The segments of DNA that carry this important genetic information are known as genes. The make up of genes in an organism ultimately determines its traits.
Genetics refers to the study of these genes and how one organism's genes differ from another. By studying the genetics of microalgal species, scientists are able to choose particular species and strains that have characteristics most suited for a particular function e.g. species of algae with a high lipid content for biodiesel production.
Advanced understanding of what genes code for particular traits and the mechanism by which they work, has led to this relatively new area of science, genetic modification (GM). Also referred to as genetic engineering, GM is the process by which genes from one organism can be cut and inserted into the DNA of another, different organism. The inserted gene has the information of a new characteristic and enables the modified organism (GMO) to perform a new function, previously not observed in nature. This is an extremely hot topic at the present and provides exciting opportunities in plant science although is not without controversy.
Current GM techniques have been used on crops to increase yields through increased resistance to certain pests, diseases or environmental conditions. They have also been used to increase the nutrient profile of a plant. The most well known example of this is golden rice. This rice was engineered with increased vitamin A content in the edible parts of the rice to overcome deficiencies of this vitamin amongst populations of people in developing countries.
Recent scientific papers have shown that similar GM techniques can be applied to certain algal species. Results from these studies have shown that certain algal species can be engineered to increase lipid production, growth rates and overall yields as well as simplifying costly harvesting and extraction processes. It is thought amongst some, that these techniques may play an important role in the future of algal biofuel production.
To learn more about GMOs and their role in algal biofuel production, please follow the link to the following page:
Engineering approaches
Other approaches have focused on improving traditional algal cultivation and harvesting systems to provide a more efficient and cost effective method of yielding useful products. Integrating cultivation circuits with other systems, such as wastewater treatment, or designing new and improved photobioreactors have been well considered by a number of different companies.
To learn more about some of these innovative systems, please follow this link:
The future
It is likely that a combination of the methods suggested in this section as well as additional breakthroughs, fuelled by the huge financial incentives, will yield a renewable biofuel competitive to fossil fuel prices in the near future. As the industry continues to expand, it will be fascinating to see the evolution in the years to come.
Photo courtesy of the Guardian
The problem with evaluating the industry
Due to the huge financial gain to be made from discovering an efficient biofuel production system, detailed information regarding innovative work of algal biofuel companies is often not publicly available. The information presented in this website is based on publicy availble papers and patents.
