To achieve more reliable results, both routes were evaluated
with transparent spreadsheet calculations instead of database-driven
(commercial) LCA software, as commonly used in other microalgae
LCA studies, such as SimaPro (Campbell et al., 2011), Gabi
software (Stephenson et al., 2010) and Crystal Ball (Clarens et al.,
2010). In the present study, laboratory observations combined
with published data of known industrial processes has been used
and extrapolated. The routes are based on present and commercially
available technology. Furthermore, a parallel scenario is calculated
that is based on assumptions of promising technologies
which might be commercialized in the near future to determine
the development potential (the best case). The performance indicators
considered in this study include the overall energy balance
with fossil energy ratio (FER) and the land requirement (LR). The
definitions of FER and LR are given below: