2013

Hytönen, Eemeli

Various forms of bioenergy can be produced from algae. These include biodiesel through transesterification of the algal lipids, biogas from anaerobic digestion of the algal biomass (after or without lipid extraction), and heat and electricity from combustion of the algal biomass or burning of biogas produced from it. Suitable sources of carbon, nutrients and energy are key requirements for the growth of algae. The source of carbon can be CO₂ or sugars originating, for example, from agricultural side streams. Nutrients for growth can be either purchased (commercial fertilizers) or waste-dervied, such as from waste water. Energy can be in the form of sunlight or chemical energy from consumption of organic compounds.