LFEG20EIACPENVIS
ENERGY AND ECONOMIC NEXUS OF SEAWEEDS
T.V Ramachandra1,2,3,*  Deepthi Hebbale 1,2
1Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, India
2 Centre for Sustainable Technologies,
3 Centre for infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning [CiSTUP],

*Corresponding Author: cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in; tvr@iisc.ac.in, ORCID: 0000-0001-5528-1565
 cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in
IISc
EWRGAKAM

Abstract

Macroalgae (or seaweeds), are multicellular, photosynthetic algae growing predominantly in marine environment by attaching to suitable substrate. Biomass are composed of structural and storage carbohydrates that have varied multi-functional properties and are exploited in the form of food, medicines, cosmetics and energy. Sustainable utilization of macroalgal biomass for biofuel production has attracted a lot of attention in recent times and has been emerging as potential sustainable alternative to the conventional gasoline-based fuel. This chapter introduces macroalgal structure, habitat, physiology, biochemical composition followed by the global distribution of macroalgal resources and the state-of-the-art technology involved in the conversion of macroalgal biomass for production of biofuel and the constraints encountered in these conversion technologies as well as opportunities to establish a macroalgae based biorefinery. Concluding section discusses, availability of macroalgal resources along East and West coast of India and economic prospects of seaweed for biofuel production.