Conceptual Design of an Autotrophic Multi-Strain Microalgae-Based Biorefinery: Preliminary Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Assessments

Microalgae represent a promising solution in addressing the impacts associated with current agricultural and manufacturing practices which are causing irreparable environmental damage. have considerable biosynthetic potential, being rich source of lipids, proteins, high-value compounds. Under scope H2020-BBI MULTI-STR3AM project, an innovative large-scale production system valuable commodities for food, feed, fragrance sectors is developed on basis microalgae, reducing costs, increasing scale production, boosting value chain sustainability. In this work, we aimed to create process model that can mimic industrial plant estimate mass energy balances, optimize scheduling, calculate costs plant. Three autotrophic microalgae strains (Nannochloropsis sp., Dunaliella sp. Spirulina sp.) were considered assessment, as well use locally sourced CO2 (flue gas). The useful tool obtaining data required techno-economic analysis (TEA) life cycle assessment (LCA) biorefinery-based processes. Nannochloropsis was most economic option, whereas expensive strain produce due its lower productivity. Preliminary assessments climate change impact category revealed water recirculation flue gas could lead values 5.6, 10.6, 9.2 kgCO2eq·kgAFDW−1 respectively, electricity NaCl main contributors. obtained allow quantification microalgal biomass fractions produced, will be fundamental future comparison studies determining if they higher or than those replaced products. work provides evaluation optimization systems.