An Overview of Biodiesel Extraction from the Third Generation Biomass Feedstock: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

Despite of the fact that the first and the second generation biomass feedstock are attractive options for the biofuel production, these production schemes are considered unsustainable. As the demand for renewable energy grows exponentially, the practicability of the production of these energy carriers becomes tentative and limited since large arable croplands in tropical and tempe-rate regions are required for their cultivation. Moreover, the conversion processes (i.e. thermo-chemical and bio-chemical) associated with the second generation biomass feedstock are far more complex and sophisticated because of the recalcitrant nature of cellulosic biomass. The biofuels, thus, derived are not cost-competitive with existing petroleum derived fuels. In future, the integra-tion of various biochemical and bioprocessing technologies will be supporting the establishment of biomass energy programs. This paper is an attempt to review the potential of microalgal biodiesel in comparison to the first and the second generation biomass feedstock and its global prospects. Keywords : microalgae biomass, pretreatment, biofuels, clean energy