Algae: A promising biomass for biofuel generation

The world is facing massive energy demands as a result of the rapid population growth and industrialisation occurring around the world, as well as the rising cost of fuel. The usage of fossil fuels is responsible for 87% of the world's CO2 emissions, according to a recent scientific paper, with coal, oil, and natural gas each contributing 43%, 35%, and 20%, respectively.

Specifically, transportation systems account for about one-third of the world's energy consumption, with oil accounting for fifty percent. Between 2040 and 2050, the demand for fossil fuels is projected to increase by 40% due to the projected growth in global population. According to a new IEA study of the most recent global data, these CO2 emissions were projected to rise by close to 300 million metric tonnes in 2022 and reach 33.8 billion metric tonnes by the beginning of 2023.

To meet the world's energy demands, alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass are essential. Thus, there is a pressing need to solve these issues, and academics are currently devoting close attention to this by developing sustainable and cost-effective methods of energy production. Globally, the production of liquid fuels from biological material, or 'biomass,' is becoming more prevalent.

Recently, the dual challenges of energy security and global warming have made biofuel an appealing alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Numerous recent studies have revealed that green algae as a fuel source fall under the category of renewable energy sources, especially given the continual increase in the cost of fossil fuels. They grow very quickly, do not influence the environment, and do not affect world food demand, unlike wheat, maize, and sugar.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, particularly those on the Arabian Peninsula, provide an enticing value proposition for large-scale algae production due to their advantageous geographical location. The location features a favourable climate that permits year-round production, vast areas of unused land, close proximity to the ocean, and a significant number of CO2-rich flue gas point sources.

Despite these positive characteristics, little research has been conducted on the commercial viability of native algae in the GCC region. According to scientists, Oman has a substantial capacity to generate algae for biofuel production.

Oman has grown in importance as a producer of biofuels based on algae in recent years. This is owing in part to the country's abundance of arid territory and connectivity to the Gulf of Oman, which provides an excellent habitat for algae growth. Oman has also made significant investments in the area, offering financial incentives to companies that participate in the manufacture of algae-based biofuels. Oman plans to make history by making its first investment in a sizable project on the South Al Sharqiya coast and breaking new ground in the multibillion dollar global algae growing industry.

A significant British corporation supports this endeavour. Advanced bioreactors are used in this facility to grow microalgae and collect their lipids, which are then converted into biodiesel. The UK-based SuSeWi (formerly Feed Algae), which oversees several algae farming ventures around the world, is leading the construction of an algae farm in the Sultanate of Oman with a 100,000-ton annual capacity. With a projected expenditure of $430 million, it will rank among the biggest microalgae farming initiatives worldwide.

Given the scope of the project and the requirement for approvals from numerous regulatory agencies, the Implementation Support and Follow-Up Unit (ISFU), a special task force established under the supervision of the Diwan of Royal Court, has been facilitating the approvals process to aid in its prompt delivery. ISFU's goal is to move ideas and initiatives forward that will hasten Oman's economic diversification.

The new company will be crucial in helping Oman enter a market that ISFU predicts will be worth $45 billion by 2023. The Sultanate of Oman's 2019 Annual Report states that the area's unique natural surroundings and climatic conditions are ideal for algae farming. Other smaller businesses in the nation are also making investments in the manufacturing of algae-based biodiesel. These businesses use a range of techniques, including open pond systems and photobioreactors, to produce and extract lipids from microalgae.

The future of algae biofuel production in Oman is an exciting one, as the country has the potential to become a leader in the sector. For this to happen, the government needs to invest in technology and create an environment that is conducive to investment. Additionally, companies need to invest in research and development to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the technology.

In conclusion, the production of biofuels derived from algae might be an effective option for the Sultanate of Oman to generate electricity. This technology offers a wide range of advantages, including the enhancement of energy security and the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels such as oil and gas. However, the technique does have a few drawbacks, the most notable of which are the expensive prices and the dearth of available water.

For the production of algal biofuel to be successful in Oman, the government will need to make an investment in the technology, provide businesses with incentives to participate in the technology and educate the general people on the potential benefits and drawbacks of the technology. The development of algae biofuel has the potential to become a profitable energy source in Oman if the appropriate investments are made and public education is provided.