Preliminary evaluation of bio-diesel made from green microalgae

Chemicals and energy consumption and greenhouse gases emission

Abstract

The objective of this study is to provide a preliminary evaluation of application of cultivated microalgae for bio-diesel production. By utilizing carbon dioxide emitted from industrial processes as C-source Nannochloropsis oculata, a lipid-rich (60% of lipid) microalgae is cultivated. After cultivation, the lipid can be utilized as a material for production of bio-diesel. First, chemicals and energy consumption in the life cycle of microalgae-derived biodiesel are evaluated. They are then used for calculation of the greenhouse gases emission reduction potential induced by per MJ of bio-diesel as a substitute for fossil fuel with varied technical options.