Microalgae Biomass (presentation)

What is Biomass Energy?

A renewable energy source derived from the organic materials of plants and animals, such as wood, agricultural crops, and waste

"Biomass is the term for energy from plant matter grown to generate electricity or produce"

Why is Biomass Important?

We have a global energy crisis caused by fossil fuel reliance and dependence

Biomass - an organic, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy source - offers a powerful alternative

Energy Conversion Technologies

Processes which create diverse biofuels like bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel, and biohydrogen

Thermochemical Energy Conversion Technology

Combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis for dry feedstock

Biochemical Energy Conversion Technologies

Fermentation and anaerobic digestion for wet wastes

Mechanical Extraction Energy Conversion Technology

For oil production

Role in Sustainable Development

Biomass energy contributes to multiple aspects of sustainability

Economic: creates rural jobs, reduces energy imports, and supports local enterprises

Environmental: helps cut CO2 emissions and promotes waste reuse

Social: enhances energy access, gender equality, and community participation

Microalgae

Photosynthetic unicellular organisms that are part of aquatic ecosystems and are a potential source of products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals

Naturally carbon-captures, and can be re-harvested to turn into more biomass

Key Facts About Microalgae

Biomass Composition: ~45% carbohydrates, 17% lipids, 21% protein

High Efficiency: inorganic carbon removal (~97%), CO2 biofixation efficiency (~95%), microalgae can capture 10-15 times more CO2 than terrestrial plants

Applications: CO2 is transformed into bioenergy (biodiesel, biogas, syngas) and products like pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, food, or cosmetics

Sustainability advantages: does not require arable land, grows in saline or wastewater, and uses industrial gases rich in CO2 or NO2

Closed Carbon Economy

Microalgae absorb and reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere while producing clean energy in the industry

Challenges

High production costs due to cultivation, harvesting, and drying processes

Scale-up difficulties, from laboratory to outdoor systems

Environmental sensitivity to temperature, pH, and light

Contamination issues from competing microbes and predators

Solutions

Research investment, which could make a difference in our understanding of these organisms

Genetic engineering (e.g. CRISPR), metabolic modifications targeting enzymes like RuBisCO for better carbon conversion, biofilm and photobioreactor cultivation for greater efficiency and easier harvesting