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Microalga-Based Electricity Production: A Comprehensive Review

Author

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  • Wid Alrashidi

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Safiah Alhazmi

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
    Immunology Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 80200, Saudi Arabia
    Neuroscience and Geroscience Research Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 80200, Saudi Arabia)

  • Fotoon Sayegh

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Sherif Edris

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
    Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Centre of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders (PACER-HD), Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11241, Egypt)

Abstract

This review evaluates the feasibility of using microalgal culture for sustainable energy production, emphasizing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and biophotovoltaics (BPVs). This study’s uniqueness is rooted in its thorough examination of recent developments (2014–present) in microalgal strain selection, bioreactor design, and electrode materials. Furthermore, this review combines microalga cultivation with wastewater treatment, highlighting its importance. Notably, it examines advanced methodologies, such as the use of genetic engineering to enhance microalgal traits, nanotechnology to optimize electrode efficacy, and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize bioelectrochemical systems. In addition, this study identifies possible future research avenues by examining microalga–bacterium consortia and cascaded biobattery systems. Consequently, the incorporation of case studies illustrating microalga biobatteries’ practical applications in low-power devices and wastewater treatment underscores the technology’s promise. Similarly, this study examines significant problems with enhancing farming methods, reconciling cost and yield, and integrating renewable energy sources with the grid, offering vital insights for academics and policymakers. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the need for economical cultivation methods, waste stream utilization, and scalable bioreactor designs, thereby considerably advancing sustainable energy options.

Suggested Citation

  • Wid Alrashidi & Safiah Alhazmi & Fotoon Sayegh & Sherif Edris, 2025. "Microalga-Based Electricity Production: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:536-:d:1575931
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jinyu Wei & Xiuping Yi & Xin Yang & Yaoxi Liu, 2023. "Blockchain-Based Design of a Government Incentive Mechanism for Manufacturing Supply Chain Data Governance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
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