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Macroalgae-Derived Biofuel: A Review of Methods of Energy Extraction from Seaweed Biomass

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  • John J. Milledge

    (Algae Biotechnology Research Group, Faculty of Engineering & Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK)

  • Benjamin Smith

    (Centre for Sustainable Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK)

  • Philip W. Dyer

    (Centre for Sustainable Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK)

  • Patricia Harvey

    (Algae Biotechnology Research Group, Faculty of Engineering & Science, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK)

Abstract

The potential of algal biomass as a source of liquid and gaseous biofuels is a highly topical theme, but as yet there is no successful economically viable commercial system producing biofuel. However, the majority of the research has focused on producing fuels from microalgae rather than from macroalgae. This article briefly reviews the methods by which useful energy may be extracted from macroalgae biomass including: direct combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, trans-esterification to biodiesel, hydrothermal liquefaction, fermentation to bioethanol, fermentation to biobutanol and anaerobic digestion, and explores technical and engineering difficulties that remain to be resolved.

Suggested Citation

  • John J. Milledge & Benjamin Smith & Philip W. Dyer & Patricia Harvey, 2014. "Macroalgae-Derived Biofuel: A Review of Methods of Energy Extraction from Seaweed Biomass," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(11), pages 1-29, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:7:y:2014:i:11:p:7194-7222:d:42105
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    References listed on IDEAS

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