Third-generation biofuels from microalgae: a review

The first-generation biofuels from agricultural yields are currently not considered as a sustainable energy source. Similarly, the second-generation biofuels produced from nonfood feedstock are not economically viable for its high processing cost. In contrast, the third-generation biofuels from microalgae are considered as the feasible and sustainable solution for future energy demand by overcoming the shortcomings of the previous generations of biofuels. This short review describes the recent research and developments on biofuel production from microalgae. It includes production planning, cultivation strategy, and harvesting and conversion technology including economic viability study for the future prospect of microalgae as a third-generation biofuel.