Assessing Microalgae Sustainability as a Feedstock for Biofuels

Abstract

Abstract As a result of the current efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions from fossil fuels consumption, new and renewable energy sources, in particular, must be developed and implemented. Alternative biofuels derived from terrestrial crops, such as sugarcane, soybeans, maize, and rapeseed, among others, inflict a lot of pressure on the global food markets, contribute to water scarcity, and hasten the destruction of forests. Therefore, additional more sustainable innovative technologies and sources of energy must be developed to replace fossil fuels. This chapter aims to analyze the use of microalgae as an advanced biofuel feedstock with an emphasis in its sustainability and assess the economical, technological, social, and environmental factors that can be critical to the success of this technology. The method used to analyze the prospects of using microalgae as a feedstock for biofuels was a comprehensive literature review. In this way, it was possible to draw several conclusions related to the potential sustainability of microalgae biofuels and its dissemination in the future.