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SEI publishes report on potential of marine algae as a source of biofuels in Ireland
“A review of the potential of marine algae as a source of biofuels in Ireland” commissioned by Sustainable Energy Ireland, has been published. This report provides an overview of marine algae such as macroalgae or microalgae as an energy resource. It assesses the potential of the resource in Ireland, determines the level of activity and identifies research and development knowledge gaps.
A biofuels obligation scheme is being proposed in Ireland which will see a percentage of fossil-fuels for transport being displaced by biofuels, ultimately reaching 10% (on an energy basis) by 2020. The achievement of this ambitious target is contingent on finding and commercialising new resources for transport fuel, as current feedstocks are not sufficient to meet the target.
Microalgae are being widely researched as a fuel due to their high photosynthetic efficiency and their ability to produce lipids, a biodiesel feedstock. Macroalgae (or seaweeds) do not generally contain lipids and are being considered for the natural sugars and other carbohydrates they contain, which can be fermented to produce either biogas or alcohol-based fuels.
A supply-chain analysis was carried out for both macroalgae and microalgae, technologies identified and research topics proposed to evaluate commercialisation potential of these resources for energy. For the purposes of this report tentative roadmaps based on high, medium and low scenarios are hypothesised for development of these resources by 2020.
For the full report, please view the SEI website.