The current increase in global energy demand, as well as the
negative impact petroleum based energy sources are having on
the environment, has led to a renewed interest in renewable
energy resources. A variety of third generation feedstocks for biofuel
production are being investigated as viable alternatives to traditional
energy sources including microalgae based on inherent
advantages, specifically characteristically high lipid yields, utilization
of poor quality land and water, and integration with point
source carbon dioxide sources such as coal fired power plants.
Efforts to advance the commercial feasibility of microalgae based
biofuels have focused on improvements to the various processing
steps associated with the production of feedstock through to fuels.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) has emerged as a foundational tool in
evaluating alternative processing technologies with results used
to highlight areas for further research and development. Various
conversion technologies have been identified but the overall
impact of the technologies must be understood on a systems level.