Economic analyses of microalgae biofuels and policy implications in Australia

This thesis presents an economic assessment of microalgae biofuels as a substitute in the Australian transport fuel market. The studies systematically reviewed the current state of microalgae biofuels among its predecessors, analysed a novel production pathway integrated with existing industries, and estimated the economic value of its external benefits over agricultural-based biofuels. These findings informed a discussion on how a long-term, policy-led transition away from fossil fuels can be achieved through support for the development of integrated microalgae industries and more importantly, capturing the economic value of biofuels that will lead to a more diversified and socially-efficient transport fuel market