POTENTIAL OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM MICROALGAE IN SINGAPORE

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.