T. V. Ramachandra
Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES] & Centre for Sustainable Technologies,
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
Centre for infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning [CiSTUP]
E-mail: cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in
Web: http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy

Deepthi Hebbale
Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES]Centre for Sustainable Technologies (astra).
e-mail: deepthi@ces.iisc.ernet.in

Abstract

Dwindling stock of fossil fuel, escalating oil prices, enhanced greenhouse gases and consequent global warming, etc. have necessitated the exploration of cost effective sustainable alternatives. The focus of the current communication is the ethanol prospects of macro algae in Central West coast of India. These resources are renewable and sustainable without competing with either food (first generation biofuel) or land resources (second generation biofuel). Abundant distribution of seaweeds along the coast gives an opportunity to arrive at economically viable biofuel feedstock and also take up seaweed off shore cultivation. These macroalgae accumulate large concentration of carbohydrate and constitute appropriate feedstock for bioethanol manufacture. This involves subjecting the seaweed to hydrolysis to break down the carbohydrate and ferment the sugar using suitable microorganism.

Keywords: macroalgae, bioethanol, west coast