CHAPTER 3:Recent Advancements in Algal Biorefineries

Algae, which has high photosynthetic efficiency, non-arable land requirement and the ability to utilize salt or brackish water, is a promising renewable source for biofuel and other value-added biochemical production. Examination of the economic viability of such algae-based bioproducts is trending. The results of the examinations indicate that many parameters are decreasing the viability of the commercialization of algal biofuels and other commodity products. This chapter covers several different components of an integrated algal biorefinery, as an alternative approach to democratize algal products by decreasing the costs of production. The main sections touch base on strain improvements and other upstream components followed by sustainability issues. The chapter is finalized with the techno-economic assessments (TEA) of algal biorefineries with various production scenarios. The major components affecting the total cost of algal biochemical production are indicated by TEA, and their effect on the viability of the biorefineries are discussed.