| Abstract | Extensive uses of fossil fuels are posing several threats to the environment as well as human health. They have been used in such a way that in coming few decades, the finite sources of fossil fuels will be completely exhausted. Algae are one of the most primitive microorganisms on the Earth. They are small photosynthetic organisms that have an ability to completely replace the need of conventional fossil fuel for energy demand. They are robust microorganisms and can be grown in photo-bioreactors, open ponds, sewage or industrial waste without the need of arable land. Microalgal biomass can be converted to variety of biofuels via biochemical and thermochemical methods, they can also be used for the production of high value nutraceuticals at industrial scale. The present chapter deals with the various conversion technologies of algal biomass to biofuel, resource requirements, research gaps and operational costs associated with it. |
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