POTENTIAL OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM MICROALGAE IN SINGAPORE
NG KAI SCENE
NG KAI SCENE
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Abstract
Biodiesel derived from oil generating crops is a renewable and carbon-neutral
alternative to petroleum fuels. Unfortunately, it has only replaced a very small
fraction of the total demand for fossil diesel. Another potential source of feedstock for
biodiesel generating much interest is microalgae. The prospect of microalgae
producing a form of renewable biodiesel in sufficient quantity to meet the global
demand for transport fuels has been highlighted in several reviews. There are
technologies currently being developed to cultivate microalgae in bulk and extract
lipids from them. They include using open ponds and photobioreactors. Researchers
have also been keen to utilize the remaining algal biomass for purposes such as
syngas production. Despite all these interest, biodiesel production from microalgae is
still in the developmental phase. Why should one still look at this as a potential
emerging industry for Singapore? Strategically, there are definitely benefits for
Singapore to pursue this technology. The reasons range from appropriateness of
Singapore’s conditions for microalgae cultivation and providing Singapore with an
alternative energy source. The technology of biodiesel production from microalgae
may be applied in ways to suit Singapore’s conditions. Potential cost reduction and
optimization steps and ways of enhancing competitiveness also exist. These ideas
when brought together in a hypothetical microalgae oil production plant help us to see
how biodiesel production from microalgae in Singapore may take place, harnessing
synergies with existing industries and also show how cost considerations need to be
taken into account. With such an evaluation done, one will know which areas to
further research upon to develop this field in Singapore.
Keywords
Environmental Management, Master (Environmental Management), MEM, Study Report (MEM), Jeffrey Philip Obbard, 2008/2009 EnvM
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Date
2015-03-26
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Study Report