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A critical look at the microalgae biodiesel
Author(s) -
Petkov Georgi,
Ivanova Albena,
Iliev Ivan,
Vaseva Irina
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
european journal of lipid science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.614
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1438-9312
pISSN - 1438-7697
DOI - 10.1002/ejlt.201100234
Subject(s) - biodiesel , diesel fuel , biomass (ecology) , biofuel , biodiesel production , environmental science , production (economics) , heat of combustion , pulp and paper industry , combustion , waste management , chemistry , economics , agronomy , biology , engineering , biochemistry , macroeconomics , organic chemistry , catalysis
The quantitative production of microalgae oil is often overestimated. The cost of the salts invested in the production of 1 kg algal diesel approximates the actual price of 1 kg mineral diesel. Total sum of electrical energy expenses for production of biodiesel from microalgae is several‐fold higher than the energy income from combustion of the same quantity. The biological value of cultivated microalgae as food is much higher than as fuel. An opinion is shared that money ought to be invested in microalgal biomass production as a food additive, forage, and pharmaceuticals. The aim is to prevent making too hasty steps and investments in microalgal biodiesel.