Microalgal production — A close look at the economics

Worldwide, microalgal biofuel production is being investigated. It is strongly debated which type of production technology is the most adequate. Microalgal biomass production costs were calculated for 3 different micro algal production systems operating at commercial scale today: open ponds, horizon...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biotechnology advances 2011, Vol.29 (1), p.24-27
Main Authors: Norsker, Niels-Henrik, Barbosa, Maria J., Vermuë, Marian H., Wijffels, René H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorption - radiation effects
algae culture
biodiesel
Biofuel
Biofuel production
biofuels
Biological and medical sciences
Biomass
biomass production
Bioreactors
Biotechnology
Biotechnology - economics
Biotechnology - methods
carbon dioxide
Cost
cultivation
dewatering
Energy
feedstocks
Flat panel
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
gold
Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects
irradiation
Light
light-path
Methods. Procedures. Technologies
Microalgae
Microalgae - growth & development
Microalgae - radiation effects
mixing
Netherlands
Photobioreactor
Photobioreactors - microbiology
photosynthesis
ponds
prices
production costs
production technology
Raceway
Tubular
Various methods and equipments
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Summary:Worldwide, microalgal biofuel production is being investigated. It is strongly debated which type of production technology is the most adequate. Microalgal biomass production costs were calculated for 3 different micro algal production systems operating at commercial scale today: open ponds, horizontal tubular photobioreactors and flat panel photobioreactors. For the 3 systems, resulting biomass production costs including dewatering, were 4.95, 4.15 and 5.96 € per kg, respectively. The important cost factors are irradiation conditions, mixing, photosynthetic efficiency of systems, medium- and carbon dioxide costs. Optimizing production with respect to these factors, a price of € 0.68 per kg resulted. At this cost level microalgae become a promising feedstock for biodiesel and bulk chemicals. Photobioreactors may become attractive for microalgal biofuel production.
ISSN:0734-9750
1873-1899
DOI:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2010.08.005