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Sustainable biofuels from algae

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  • Michael Borowitzka

  • Navid Moheimani

Abstract

There is currently great interest in microalgae as sources of renewable energy and biofuels. Many algae species have a high lipid content and can be grown on non-arable land using alternate water sources such as seawater. This paper discusses in detail the issue of sustainability of commercial-scale microalgae production of biofuels with particular focus on land, water, nutrients (N and P) and CO 2 requirements and highlights some of the key issues in the very large scale culture of microalgae which is required for biofuels. The use of genetically modified algae is also considered. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Borowitzka & Navid Moheimani, 2013. "Sustainable biofuels from algae," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 13-25, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:masfgc:v:18:y:2013:i:1:p:13-25
    DOI: 10.1007/s11027-010-9271-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Evan Stephens & Ian Ross & Jan H. Mussgnug & Liam Wagner & Michael A. Borowitzka & Clemens Posten & Olaf Kruse & Ben Hankamer, 2010. "Future prospects of microalgal biofuel production systems," Energy Economics and Management Group Working Papers 7-2010, School of Economics, University of Queensland, Australia.
    2. Kadam, K.L, 2002. "Environmental implications of power generation via coal-microalgae cofiring," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 27(10), pages 905-922.
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