Technoeconomic analysis of five microalgae-to-biofuels processes of varying complexity

The economics surrounding five algae-to-fuels process scenarios were examined. The different processes modeled were as follows: an open pond producing either triacylglycerides (TAG) or free fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), a solar-lit photobioreactor producing either FAME or free fatty acids (FFA), and a light emitting diode irradiated (LED-lighted) photobioreactor producing TAG. These processes were chosen to represent both classical and esoteric approaches presented in the open literature. Viable (or suggested) processing techniques to liberate and purify (and convert) the microalgal triacylglycerides were then modeled to accompany each growth option. The investment and cost per kg of fuel or fuel precursor for each process was determined. The open pond produced TAG at ~$7.50/kg, while the process using the LED-lit photobioreactor produced TAG at ~$33/kg. The scenario containing the solar-lit photobioreactor produced FAME at ~$25/kg, while the open pond produced FAME at ~$4/kg. The scenario containing the solar-lit photobioreactor produced FFA at ~$29/kg. The open pond scenarios appear to be closest to the $1/kg pricepoint at this time, and thus are the most viable economic options. Future technological advancements that reduce the cost of bioreactor vessels, LED lighting, and solvent recovery, may reduce the oil production costs of these scenarios to a more attractive level.