ABSTRACT
212The dynamic increase in population and overconsumption of the resources extensively demand alternative biofuels. For the last three decades, microalgae fascinated as a superior feedstock for biofuel due to their higher growth rate, sustainable nature, CO2 sequestration ability, photosynthetic, and accumulation of lipids and carbohydrates for biodiesel and bioethanol productions, respectively. Microalgal biotechnology boomed, and many researchers have carried out extensive research to prove microalgae as potential candidates for biodiesel production at a lab scale. However, certain constraints hinder biofuel production from microalgae at a commercial level. Further, there are a few issues with biodiesel quality on engine performance. The present chapter deals with the obstacles to the commercial viability of microalgae as a biofuel feedstock, and upstream and downstream processing issues from cultivation (to produce higher biomass and lipid) to biodiesel production. Further supply chain management, biodiesel quality, economical, environmental, social, policy challenges for microalgae-based biofuel commercialization were discussed.
