The scarcity of energy resources, external dependency, and geopolitical instability in oil-producing regions have led many countries, including European ones, to increase their investment in the search for new energy sources, including renewables. One of these alternative fuel sources is algae, particularly microalgae, which convert sunlight into energy stored as oils and other high-value compounds. Biodiesel is synthesized from algal oils, while carbohydrates can be used to produce bioethanol. Cultivating microalgae offers multiple advantages over other energy crops or types of biomass, as they can be grown under a wide range of conditions (different climates, water types, etc.) and produce much higher biodiesel yields than terrestrial plants. Despite these advantages—and the fact that microalgae cultivation represents a clean, low-cost, locally produced fuel that could help reduce Spain’s dependence on foreign oil—significant research efforts are still required.
On May 4, Anxo Sánchez, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Vigo, presented the current situation and the research being conducted by his group on the energetic use of microalgae in the lecture titled “Energetic Use of Algae.”
