Microalgal biofuels in China: The past, progress and prospects

Abstract

Global efforts to develop renewable energy include a focus on biofuels, especially algal-based biofuels. As the world's largest developing country, China is striving to develop a range of renewable energy sources. Here, we performed an informatics analysis to monitor the development of microalgal biofuels in China by analyzing energy policies related to microalgal biomass and biofuel production and funding inputs and scientific research projects in this field. China has already made substantial contributions to the microalgal biofuel industry worldwide. Despite recent declines in research and investment due to the overall economic environment, microalgal energy research and applications technologies have tremendous prospects. We summarize progress in research on microalgal biomass and biofuel production, focusing on microalgal culture patterns and the production of energy, including efforts in China to promote the industrialization of microalgal biofuels. Finally, we explore possible solutions to bottlenecks that must be overcome before microalgal biofuels can be widely used and discuss future prospects. In addition to serving as a theoretical reference for researchers and decision makers in China and beyond, the information presented in this review article can be used to guide the industrialization of microalgal-based biofuel production.