Identifying locations for large-scale microalgae cultivation in Western Australia: A GIS approach

Bryan J. Boruff, Navid R. Moheimani and Michael A. Borowitzka

Applied Energy, 2015, vol. 149, issue C, 379-391

Abstract: The decline in available fossil fuel resources coupled with an ever increasing global demand for energy, have led to substantial interest in the development of renewable biofuels. Biofuels from microalgae, especially liquid fuels produced from saline microalgae lipids (oils), are seen as an important component of the future biofuels mix. In Australia, several companies and research groups are working on developing microalgal biofuels and whilst most are still in the research and development stage, recently constructed demonstration facilities highlight the potential for large-scale cultivation. Western Australia (WA) specifically, has several key advantages for large-scale microalgae for biofuel cultivation including abundant sunshine, extensive land area unsuitable for agriculture, an abundant water source in the Indian Ocean, existing infrastructure in several potential locations, high local demand for fuel and stable political conditions.

Keywords: Biofuels; Geographic Information System; Microalgae; Cultivation potential; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.03.089

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