Future prospects of microalgal biofuel production systems

Evan Stephens, Ian Ross, Jan Mussgnug, Liam Wagner, Michael Borowitzka, Clemens Posten, Olaf Kruse and Ben Hankamer
Additional contact information
Evan Stephens: University of Queensland
Ian Ross: University of Queensland
Jan Mussgnug: University of Bielefeld
Michael Borowitzka: Murdoch University
Clemens Posten: University of Karlsruhe
Olaf Kruse: University of Bielefeld
Ben Hankamer: University of Bielefeld

Energy Economics and Management Group Working Papers from School of Economics, University of Queensland, Australia

Abstract: Climate change mitigation, economic growth and stability, and the ongoing depletion of oil reserves are all major drivers for the development of economically rational, renewable energy technology platforms. Microalgae have re-emerged as a popular feedstock for the production of biofuels and other more valuable products. Even though integrated microalgal production systems have some clear advantages and present a promising alternative to highly controversial first generation biofuel systems, the associated hype has often exceeded the boundaries of reality. With a growing number of recent analyses demonstrating that despite the hype, these systems are conceptually sound and potentially sustainable given the available inputs, we review the research areas that are key to attaining economic reality and the future development of the industry.

Keywords: biofuels; algal biofuels; alternative energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q40 Q42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 11 pages
Date: 2010-10
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

Published in Trends in Plant Science Volume 15, Issue 10, October 2010, Pages 554–564

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2010.06.003

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:qld:uqeemg:7-2010

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