A Review of Marine Algae Biomass: A Sustainable and Renewable Resource for Biofuel Production

The global demand for sustainable energy sources has been driven by energy shortages and the growing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions. Recent studies have highlighted microalgae and macroalgae biofuels as promising renewable energy alternatives that could potentially replace fossil fuels. Unlike biofuels derived from oil crops and lignocellulosic materials, algae-based biofuels do not have the same significant drawbacks. These algae-derived energy sources are not only technically and economically feasible, but also cost-competitive, requiring minimal land, using minimal fresh water, and contributing to the reduction of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. However, the commercial production of biofuels from microalgae and macroalgae is still hindered by limited biomass availability and high extraction costs. To make algae-based biofuel production more viable, advances in photobioreactor technology, as well as cheaper methods for biomass collection, drying, and oil extraction, are necessary. Currently it is estimated that the cost of marine algae biomass per system ranged from 28 per gallon. Additionally, genetic modifications aimed at enhancing stress tolerance and metabolic processes to boost lipid production are crucial for commercial success. Research is also exploring new technologies, such as algal-bacterial collaborations, to improve algae growth and lipid yields up to 48%. This review discusses the production, sustainability, economic potential, challenges, and potential solutions related to the commercialization of marine algae biofuels.