Microalgae Biodiesel: A Suitable Alternative for the Energy Sector?

El BiodieseI de Microlagas ¿Una Alternativa Adecuada para el Sector Energético?

Abstract

Microalgae are eukaryotic organisms found in nature with a wide diversity of taxonomies growing autotrophically and heterotrophically. They are very efficient in fixing CO2, the main agent responsible for the greenhouse effect, so their crops could contribute as a valuable resource to control emissions of this gas on the planet. The use of microalgae as biofuel has a series of advantages compared to those that come from other crops. Its oil produces a cleaner combustion than that of fossil fuels and in the event of a spill, it generates less pollution in the environment as it degrades in less time. However, the cultivation of microalgae at an industrial level presents a series of difficulties due to the high cost of the process and the instability of the cultures due to the variable conditions of the environment and the contamination of the nutrient medium with other microorganisms. In the present work, a review of the literature will be carried out that involves aspects related to microalgae technology and the processing of its extracts at an industrial level in order to produce biodiesel, establishing the scope and limitations of said technique as an alternative to use of fossil fuels.