Life Cycle Assessment of Algal Biofuels in the Philippines
Microalgae (collectively known as 鈥渓umot鈥�) are microorganisms which grow under carbon dioxide and sunlight. These are available from natural sources, or can be cultivated thru photobioreactor and cultivation ponds. It contains lipids which can be converted to energy such as biofuels.
Potential Products
(Zhu, 2015)
The Philippines, the government has implemented the Biofuels Act of 2006, an act mandating biofuel blends in its petroleum fuels. As the Biofuels Act of 2006 was able to implement a mandate of biofuel blends, the act is expected to also mandate an increase in biofuel blends, from the current 2% to 10% biodiesel blend and from the current 10% to 20% bioethanol blend, by the year 2020 (Corpuz & Verzani, 2014). However the country is experiencing challenges that can hamper the production of biofuels. Firstly, damages brought about by typhoon Haiyan has resulted to a decrease on the expected biofuel production. Secondly, a decline in biodiesel production is expected, due to the scale infestation that is currently experienced in Southern Luzon. Hence, to produce such demand in the biofuel industry, microalgae is introduced.
(Chisti, 2007) |
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(30% oil by wt.) |
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(70% oil by wt.) |
