Seaweeds as a sustainable source of bioenergy: Techno-economic and life cycle analyses of its biochemical conversion pathways

This study evaluates the environmental impacts, economic potential, and merits of producing bioenergy from seaweed via biological conversion pathways, including the: 1) sugar pathway; (2) volatile fatty acids (3) methane pathway to produce ethanol, ethanol heavier alcohols, heat power, respectively. The maximum price minimum product selling are both calculated as indicators. Overall, results demonstrate that platform is economically superior, it provides a higher average USD 121.6/t compared with 57.7/t 24.2/t for platform, range biomass purchase prices (USD 50–150/dry t) plant scales (100,000–700,000 dry t seaweed) indicated capable at lower than its 2019 wholesale 1.38/gal) smaller platform. Cradle-to-grave life cycle assessments were conducted identify key drivers profile. Three scenarios preparation transportation considered, namely: (1) grinding + pumping; chopping wet transportation; transportation. Seaweed pumping in biorefinery was identified be most sustainable mode In addition, our demonstrated biofuels can lead better profiles generation bioelectricity, larger burden displaced by substituting fossil fuels sector.