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Alles K, Demirel Y. Measuring risk of renewable diesel production processes using a multi-criteria decision strategy. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141695. [PMID: 38492678 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
This study proposes measuring the risk of five alternative renewable diesel production technologies using a multi-criteria decision matrix strategy. Evaluated criteria include environmental, economic, technological, social, and process safety risks. The subjective Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with stakeholder input provides criteria and sub-criteria weightings and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) ranks alternatives. Alternative renewable diesel options are Green Diesel from first, second, and third-generation feedstocks, Fischer-Tropsch Diesel from second-generation biomass, and the transesterification of vegetable oils (VO) to make biodiesel. This study is a response to an earlier work measuring the sustainability of the same renewable technologies. While the previous work indicated Fischer-Tropsch Diesel as the most sustainable, this current work indicated the process as the "most risky," suggesting that risk is a significant driver of decision making over sustainability, and newly developed decision tools should address both perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee Alles
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Othmer Hall Lincoln, NE 68588-0643, United States.
| | - Yaşar Demirel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Othmer Hall Lincoln, NE 68588-0643, United States.
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2
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Marangon BB, Castro JDS, Calijuri ML. Aviation fuel based on wastewater-grown microalgae: Challenges and opportunities of hydrothermal liquefaction and hydrotreatment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120418. [PMID: 38382440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The current technical issues related to the conversion of algal biomass into aviation biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and the upgrading of bio-oil through hydrotreatment have been reviewed and consolidated. HTL is a promising route for converting microalgae into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). However, HTL must be followed by the hydrotreatment of bio-oil to ensure that its composition and properties are compatible with SAF standards. The fact that microalgae offer the possibility of recovering wastewater treatment resources not only makes them more attractive but also serves as an incentive for wastewater treatment, especially in countries where this service has not been universalized. The combination of SAF and wastewater treatment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, representing an advantageous opportunity for both aviation and sanitation. In this context, the utilization of HTL by-products in the concept of a biorefinery is essential for the sustainability of aviation biofuel production through this route. Another important aspect is the recovery and reuse of catalysts, which are generally heterogeneous, allowing for recycling. Additionally, discussions have focused on biomass pretreatment methods, the use of solvents and catalysts in HTL and hydrotreatment reactions, and the operational parameters of both processes. All these issues present opportunities to enhance the quantity and quality of bio-oil and aviation biofuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Barros Marangon
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitario, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Jackeline de Siqueira Castro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitario, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Maria Lúcia Calijuri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitario, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
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3
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Marangon BB, Magalhães IB, Pereira ASAP, Silva TA, Gama RCN, Ferreira J, Castro JS, Assis LR, Lorentz JF, Calijuri ML. Emerging microalgae-based biofuels: Technology, life-cycle and scale-up. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 326:138447. [PMID: 36940833 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae biomass is a versatile feedstock with a variable composition that can be submitted to several conversion routes. Considering the increasing energy demand and the context of third-generation biofuels, algae can fulfill the increasing global demand for energy with the additional benefit of environmental impact mitigation. While biodiesel and biogas are widely consolidated and reviewed, emerging algal-based biofuels such as biohydrogen, biokerosene, and biomethane are cutting-edge technologies in earlier stages of development. In this context, the present study covers their theoretical and practical conversion technologies, environmental hotspots, and cost-effectiveness. Scaling-up considerations are also addressed, mainly through Life Cycle Assessment results and interpretation. Discussions on the current literature for each biofuel directs researchers towards challenges such as optimized pretreatment methods for biohydrogen and optimized catalyst for biokerosene, besides encouraging pilot and industrial scale studies for all biofuels. While presenting studies for larger scales, biomethane still needs continuous operation results to consolidate the technology further. Additionally, environmental improvements on all three routes are discussed in light of life-cycle models, highlighting the ample research opportunities on wastewater-grown microalgae biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Marangon
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - I B Magalhães
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - A S A P Pereira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - T A Silva
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - R C N Gama
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - J Ferreira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - J S Castro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - L R Assis
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - J F Lorentz
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - M L Calijuri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
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4
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Hankamer B, Pregelj L, O'Kane S, Hussey K, Hine D. Delivering impactful solutions for the bioeconomy. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:583-596. [PMID: 36941134 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We are increasingly challenged to operate within our planetary boundaries, while delivering on United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 targets, and net-zero emissions by 2050. Failure to solve these challenges risks economic, social, political, climate, food, water, and fuel security. Therefore, new, scalable, and adoptable circular economy solutions are urgently required. The ability of plants to use light, capture CO2, and drive complex biochemistry is pivotal to delivering these solutions. However, harnessing this capability efficiently also requires robust accompanying economic, financial, market, and strategic analytics. A framework for this is presented here in the Commercialization Tourbillon. It supports the delivery of emerging plant biotechnologies and bio-inspired light-driven industry solutions within the critical 2030-2050 timeframe, to achieve validated economic, social, and environmental benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Hankamer
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lisette Pregelj
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Shane O'Kane
- Treble Cone Advisory Brisbane Qld, Suite 75, 12 Welsby Street, New Farm, QLD 4005, Australia
| | - Karen Hussey
- Centre for Policy Futures, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Damian Hine
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Deepika C, Wolf J, Roles J, Ross I, Hankamer B. Sustainable Production of Pigments from Cyanobacteria. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 183:171-251. [PMID: 36571616 DOI: 10.1007/10_2022_211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pigments are intensely coloured compounds used in many industries to colour other materials. The demand for naturally synthesised pigments is increasing and their production can be incorporated into circular bioeconomy approaches. Natural pigments are produced by bacteria, cyanobacteria, microalgae, macroalgae, plants and animals. There is a huge unexplored biodiversity of prokaryotic cyanobacteria which are microscopic phototrophic microorganisms that have the ability to capture solar energy and CO2 and use it to synthesise a diverse range of sugars, lipids, amino acids and biochemicals including pigments. This makes them attractive for the sustainable production of a wide range of high-value products including industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and animal-feed supplements. The advantages of cyanobacteria production platforms include comparatively high growth rates, their ability to use freshwater, seawater or brackish water and the ability to cultivate them on non-arable land. The pigments derived from cyanobacteria and microalgae include chlorophylls, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins that have useful properties for advanced technical and commercial products. Development and optimisation of strain-specific pigment-based cultivation strategies support the development of economically feasible pigment biorefinery scenarios with enhanced pigment yields, quality and price. Thus, this chapter discusses the origin, properties, strain selection, production techniques and market opportunities of cyanobacterial pigments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Deepika
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Juliane Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John Roles
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian Ross
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Hankamer
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Sørensen M, Andersen-Ranberg J, Hankamer B, Møller BL. Circular biomanufacturing through harvesting solar energy and CO 2. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:655-673. [PMID: 35396170 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Using synthetic biology, it is now time to expand the biosynthetic repertoire of plants and microalgae by utilizing the chloroplast to augment the production of desired high-value compounds and of oil-, carbohydrate-, or protein-enriched biomass based on direct harvesting of solar energy and the consumption of CO2. Multistream product lines based on separate commercialization of the isolated high-value compounds and of the improved bulk products increase the economic potential of the light-driven production system and accelerate commercial scale up. Here we outline the scientific basis for the establishment of such green circular biomanufacturing systems and highlight recent results that make this a realistic option based on cross-disciplinary basic and applied research to advance long-term solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Sørensen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Andersen-Ranberg
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ben Hankamer
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Birger Lindberg Møller
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Rupawalla Z, Robinson N, Schmidt S, Li S, Carruthers S, Buisset E, Roles J, Hankamer B, Wolf J. Algae biofertilisers promote sustainable food production and a circular nutrient economy - An integrated empirical-modelling study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148913. [PMID: 34328895 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture has radically changed the global nitrogen (N) cycle and is heavily dependent on synthetic N-fertiliser. However, the N-use efficiency of synthetic fertilisers is often only 50% with N-losses from crop systems polluting the biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. To address the large carbon and energy footprint of N-fertiliser synthesis and curb N-pollution, new technologies are required to deliver enhanced energy efficiency, decarbonisation and a circular nutrient economy. Algae fertilisers (AF) are an alternative to synthetic N-fertiliser (SF). Here microalgae were used as biofertiliser for spinach production. AF production was evaluated using life-cycle analyses. Over 4 weeks, AF released 63.5% of N as bioavailable ammonium and nitrate, and 25% of phosphorous (P) as phosphate to the growth substrate; SF released 100% N and 20% P. To maximise crop N-use and minimise N-leaching, we explored AF and SF dose-response-curves with spinach in glasshouse conditions. AF-grown spinach produced 36% less biomass than SF-grown plants due to AF's slower and linear N-release; SF exhibited 5-times higher N-leaching than AF. Optimised AF:SF blends yielded greater synchrony between N-release and crop-uptake, boosting crop yields and minimising N-loss. Additional benefits of AF included greener leaves, lower leaf nitrate concentration, and higher microbial diversity and water holding capacity of the growth substrate. An integrated techno-economic and life-cycle-analysis of scaled-up microalgae systems (+/- wastewater) normalised to the application dose showed that replacing the most effective SF-dose with AF lowered the annual carbon footprint of fertiliser production from 3.644 kg CO2 m-2 (C-producing) to -6.039 kg CO2 m-2 (C-assimilation). N-loss from growth substrate was lowered by 54%. Embodied energy for AF:SF blends could be reduced by 29% when cultivating microalgae on wastewater. Conclusions: (i) microalgae offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic N-fertiliser for spinach production and potentially other crop systems, (ii) microalgae biofertilisers support the circular-nutrient-economy and several UN-Sustainable-Development-Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeenat Rupawalla
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nicole Robinson
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sijie Li
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Selina Carruthers
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Elodie Buisset
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - John Roles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Hankamer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Juliane Wolf
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Ross IL, Shah S, Hankamer B, Amiralian N. Microalgal nanocellulose - opportunities for a circular bioeconomy. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:924-939. [PMID: 34144878 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Over 3 billion years, photosynthetic algae have evolved complex uses for cellulose, the most abundant polymer worldwide. A major cell-wall component of lignocellulosic plants, seaweeds, microalgae, and bacteria, cellulose can be processed to nanocellulose, a promising nanomaterial with novel properties. The structural diversity of macro- and microalgal nanocelluloses opens opportunities to couple low-impact biomass production with novel, green-chemistry processing to yield valuable, sustainable nanomaterials for a multitude of applications ranging from novel wound dressings to organic solar cells. We review the origins of algal cellulose and the applications and uses of nanocellulose, and highlight the potential for microalgae as a nanocellulose source. Given the limited state of current knowledge, we identify research challenges and strategies to help to realise this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian L Ross
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Sarah Shah
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Hankamer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nasim Amiralian
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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9
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Sørensen M, Møller BL. Metabolic Engineering of Photosynthetic Cells – in Collaboration with Nature. Metab Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527823468.ch21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Huang J, Wan M, Jiang J, Zhang A, Zhang D. Evaluating the effects of geometry and arrangement parameter of flat panel photobioreactor on microalgae biomass production and economic performance in China. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Roles J, Yarnold J, Hussey K, Hankamer B. Techno-economic evaluation of microalgae high-density liquid fuel production at 12 international locations. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:133. [PMID: 34099055 PMCID: PMC8183327 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-01972-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microalgae-based high-density fuels offer an efficient and environmental pathway towards decarbonization of the transport sector and could be produced as part of a globally distributed network without competing with food systems for arable land. Variations in climatic and economic conditions significantly impact the economic feasibility and productivity of such fuel systems, requiring harmonized technoeconomic assessments to identify important conditions required for commercial scale up. METHODS Here, our previously validated Techno-economic and Lifecycle Analysis (TELCA) platform was extended to provide a direct performance comparison of microalgae diesel production at 12 international locations with variable climatic and economic settings. For each location, historical weather data, and jurisdiction-specific policy and economic inputs were used to simulate algal productivity, evaporation rates, harvest regime, CapEx and OpEx, interest and tax under location-specific operational parameters optimized for Minimum Diesel Selling Price (MDSP, US$ L-1). The economic feasibility, production capacity and CO2-eq emissions of a defined 500 ha algae-based diesel production facility is reported for each. RESULTS Under a for-profit business model, 10 of the 12 locations achieved a minimum diesel selling price (MDSP) under US$ 1.85 L-1 / US$ 6.99 gal-1. At a fixed theoretical MDSP of US$ 2 L-1 (US$ 7.57 gal-1) these locations could achieve a profitable Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 9.5-22.1%. Under a public utility model (0% profit, 0% tax) eight locations delivered cost-competitive renewable diesel at an MDSP of < US$ 1.24 L-1 (US$ 4.69 gal-1). The CO2-eq emissions of microalgae diesel were about one-third of fossil-based diesel. CONCLUSIONS The public utility approach could reduce the fuel price toward cost-competitiveness, providing a key step on the path to a profitable fully commercial renewable fuel industry by attracting the investment needed to advance technology and commercial biorefinery co-production options. Governments' adoption of such an approach could accelerate decarbonization, improve fuel security, and help support a local COVID-19 economic recovery. This study highlights the benefits and limitations of different factors at each location (e.g., climate, labour costs, policy, C-credits) in terms of the development of the technology-providing insights on how governments, investors and industry can drive the technology forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Roles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer Yarnold
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Policy Futures, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Karen Hussey
- Centre for Policy Futures, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Hankamer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Xiong D, Happe T, Hankamer B, Ross IL. Inducible high level expression of a variant ΔD19A,D58A-ferredoxin-hydrogenase fusion increases photohydrogen production efficiency in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Abstract
Because of the near-term risk of extreme weather events and other adverse consequences from climate change and, at least in the longer term, global fossil fuel depletion, there is worldwide interest in shifting to noncarbon energy sources, especially renewable energy (RE). Because of possible limitations on conventional renewable energy sources, researchers have looked for ways of overcoming these shortcomings by introducing radically new energy technologies. The largest RE source today is bioenergy, while solar energy and wind energy are regarded as having by far the largest technical potential. This paper reviews the literature on proposed new technologies for each of these three RE sources: microalgae for bioenergy, photolysis and airborne wind turbines. The main finding is that their proponents have often underestimated the difficulties they face and the time taken for their introduction on a very large scale.
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Deprá MC, Severo IA, dos Santos AM, Zepka LQ, Jacob-Lopes E. Environmental impacts on commercial microalgae-based products: Sustainability metrics and indicators. ALGAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2020.102056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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16
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Trends in Scientific Literature on Energy Return Ratio of Renewable Energy Sources for Supporting Policymakers. ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/admsci10020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The scarcity of fossil fuels and their environmental impact as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, have prompted governments around the world to both develop research and foster the use of renewable energy sources (RES), such as biomass, wind, and solar. Therefore, although these efforts represent potential solutions for fossil fuel shortages and GHG emission reduction, some doubts have emerged recently regarding their energy efficiency. Indeed, it is very useful to assess their energy gain, which means quantifying and comparing the amount of energy consumed to produce alternative fuels. In this context, the aim of this paper is to analyze the trend of the academic literature of studies concerning the indices of the energy return ratio (ERR), such as energy return on energy invested (EROEI), considering biomass, wind and solar energy. This could be useful for institutions and to public organizations in order to redefine their political vision for realizing sustainable socio-economic systems in line with the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies. Results showed that biomass seems to be more expensive and less efficient than the equivalent fossil-based energy, whereas solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy have reached mature and advanced levels of technology.
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Fabris M, Abbriano RM, Pernice M, Sutherland DL, Commault AS, Hall CC, Labeeuw L, McCauley JI, Kuzhiuparambil U, Ray P, Kahlke T, Ralph PJ. Emerging Technologies in Algal Biotechnology: Toward the Establishment of a Sustainable, Algae-Based Bioeconomy. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:279. [PMID: 32256509 PMCID: PMC7090149 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Mankind has recognized the value of land plants as renewable sources of food, medicine, and materials for millennia. Throughout human history, agricultural methods were continuously modified and improved to meet the changing needs of civilization. Today, our rapidly growing population requires further innovation to address the practical limitations and serious environmental concerns associated with current industrial and agricultural practices. Microalgae are a diverse group of unicellular photosynthetic organisms that are emerging as next-generation resources with the potential to address urgent industrial and agricultural demands. The extensive biological diversity of algae can be leveraged to produce a wealth of valuable bioproducts, either naturally or via genetic manipulation. Microalgae additionally possess a set of intrinsic advantages, such as low production costs, no requirement for arable land, and the capacity to grow rapidly in both large-scale outdoor systems and scalable, fully contained photobioreactors. Here, we review technical advancements, novel fields of application, and products in the field of algal biotechnology to illustrate how algae could present high-tech, low-cost, and environmentally friendly solutions to many current and future needs of our society. We discuss how emerging technologies such as synthetic biology, high-throughput phenomics, and the application of internet of things (IoT) automation to algal manufacturing technology can advance the understanding of algal biology and, ultimately, drive the establishment of an algal-based bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fabris
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Raffaela M. Abbriano
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Donna L. Sutherland
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Audrey S. Commault
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher C. Hall
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Leen Labeeuw
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Janice I. McCauley
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Parijat Ray
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Kahlke
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J. Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| |
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