ABSTRACT

Algal biofuels can produce a range of biofuel feedstocks suitable for diesel and aviation fuels. A potentially significant advantage of microalgae as an alternative feedstock source for fuels is that, relative to land-based feedstocks, microalgae are a high-density, rapidly growing feedstock resource. This chapter describes algae growth characteristics, including fundamental biophysical processes and the influence of spatial and temporal variations in climate on algae growth. Microalgae grow by converting solar energy to chemical storage in the form of biomass via photosynthesis. Beyond the mesoclimate scale, fine-resolution microclimatic conditions that represent an individual site are critically important to realize the potential production and variability around that potential. Stable and productive microalgae growth favors locations with ample sunlight and warm year-round temperatures. The chapter considers large-scale feedstock production potential along with land, water, and nutrient resource demand and also provides a detailed examination of the 2 BGY (7.6 BLY) renewable aviation fuel target.