Algal biomass has been identifi ed as a promising substrate for energy production. Several lab scale experiments have been performed on diff erent species of both macroalgae and microalgae. The high content of carbohydrates makes both macroalgae and microalgae appealing feedstock for bioethanol and biogas production. Unfortunately, so far no industrial scale plant has been set up. This is a demonstration that there are still constraints to be overcome. This study will tackle the fi rst obstacle for the development of this technology: the feedstock supply to a potential biorefi nery. This study evaluates diffi culties and constraints in the macroalgae and microalgae growth process though the utilization of the Life Cycle Assessment and an economic evaluation. In particular a case study of Saccharina latissima cultivation site in Limfjorden (Denmark) and a microalgae cultivation site in Finland will be compared and presented. Minimum feedstock requirement for a biorefi nery, minimum selling price and infl uence of transport of the raw material, provide useful information for system design.
Original language
English
Publication year
1 Oct 2013
Publication status
Published - 1 Oct 2013
Event
SCIENCE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: MAPPING KNOWLEDGE NEEDS FOR FUTURE HORIZONS - Århus Universitet, Århus, Denmark Duration: 2 Oct 2013 → 4 Oct 2013 Conference number: 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE