Evaluation and Advantages of Algae as an Energy Source

Abstract

Primary energy consumption is increasing gradually together with population growth, urbanization and industrialization in the world. It is known that most of the energy used throughout the world is obtained from fossil fuels called primary energy sources such as coal, petroleum and natural gas. Within this context, the more the humanity continue to search for sustainable development and better living conditions, the more the renewable energy production will be a priority in whole world. As a result of all these, renewable energy sources used in the world today are classified as solar, wind, wave and geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass and hydrogen energies. Biomass energy, depending upon agriculture within the context of alternative energy politics, has found a wide range of application field in all over the world with its properties which target development and provide eco-friendly, sustainable energy production and environmental management. However, biofuel production that increases along with agricultural potential and technological levels of the countries brings about some crucial debates with itself. In this case, scientists express that algal biomasses, defined as third generation fuel, might be an alternative energy source; and that they have a lot of advantages. In recent years, algae have started to be seen as a promising energy source as a result of biomass energy researches accelerated due to increasing oil prices. The studies, in which biofuels such as biodiesel, renewable aviation fuel/biojet fuel, biogasoline/green gasoline, biobutanol, bioethanol, and methane are obtained from algal biomass, have enhanced widely. Algae are potentially best-yielding product that can be produced in large quantities of biofuels. This microscopic plant can be produced in dirty water, saltwater, deserts and in environments unsuitable for any other plant. Because they connect the carbon dioxide in the environment, it is produced especially around the power plants, thus reducing the damage caused by the carbon dioxide from the plants. One of the most important advantages of algae is that the amount of oil obtained is very high. Moreover, it is one of the other advantages that they are not affected by changing climate conditions and can be produced in high quantities in a short period of time.

Keywords

• Energy sources,biofuels,algae,biodiesel

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