Analysis of Biodiesel from Algae Using the SWOT-AHP Method: Strategic Insights for a Green Energy Future

Mladen Bošnjaković (), Robert Santa, Antonija Vučić and Zoran Crnac
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Mladen Bošnjaković: Technical Department, University of Slavonski Brod, Ulica 108. Brigade ZNG 36, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Robert Santa: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences, Institute of Engineering Sciences, University of Dunaújváros, Táncsics Mihály 1/A, 2400 Dunaújváros, Hungary
Antonija Vučić: Farmaceutsko-Biokemijski Fakultet, Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, A. Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Zoran Crnac: Technical School, E. Kumičića 55, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia

Clean Technol., 2025, vol. 7, issue 3, 1-25

Abstract: Algal biodiesel is a promising renewable energy source due to its high lipid productivity and environmental benefits compared to conventional diesel fuels. This study presents a SWOT technique (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to assess the current status and future prospects of algae-based biodiesel production. Data from the last decade on algae production was analysed, highlighting significant technological improvements such as genetic engineering, novel extraction techniques, and integration with circular economy approaches. The results show that algal biodiesel can achieve a lipid content of up to 75% of dry biomass and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel. Key strengths include high biomass yield and effective CO 2 sequestration, while challenges include scaling production and reducing capital costs. Opportunities lie in product diversification and policy support, while threats include competition from battery electric vehicles and regulatory barriers. The AHP analysis provides a quantitative framework for prioritising strategies to improve the economic viability and environmental sustainability of algae biodiesel. In the short term (by 2030), algae-based biodiesel is expected to be used mainly as a blend with fossil diesel and to gain traction in niche applications where electric vehicles face competitiveness challenges (marine and heavy road transport). In the long term (by 2050), algae-based biodiesel will play a role in certain sectors that are integrated into the circular economy.

Keywords: biodiesel from algae; SWOT; AHP; multi-criteria decision making (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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