Paradigm shift in algal biomass refinery and its challenges

Microalgae have been studied and tested for over 70 years. However, biodiesel, the prime target of the algal industry, has suffered from low competitiveness and current steps toward banning the internal combustion engine all over the world. Meanwhile, interest in reducing CO2 emissions has grown as the world has witnessed disasters caused by global warming. In this situation, in order to maximize the benefits of the microalgal industry and surmount current limitations, new breakthroughs are being sought. First, drop-in fuel, mandatory for the aviation and maritime industries, has been discussed as a new product. Second, methods to secure stable and feasible outdoor cultivation focusing on CO2 sequestration were investigated. Lastly, the need for an integrated refinery process to simultaneously produce multiple products has been discussed. While the merits of microalgae industry remain valid, further investigations into these new frontiers would put algal industry at the core of future bio-based economy.

Automated summary

Microalgae have been studied and tested for over 70 years, but they have faced challenges in biodiesel production due to low competitiveness and the global shift towards phasing out internal combustion engines. However, there is increasing interest in reducing CO2 emissions. In order to overcome these limitations, new breakthroughs are being sought, including the development of drop-in fuels for aviation and maritime industries, stable and feasible outdoor cultivation methods focusing on CO2 sequestration, and an integrated refinery process to produce multiple products simultaneously. Further investigation into these new frontiers could establish the algal industry as a key player in the future bio-based economy.