Green bioeconomy: Are algae all-rounders?

Abstract

Bioeconomy is a convincing concept for a climate-neutral C-based circular economy and it depends on the efficiency of photosynthesis, as all biotechnological processes can be traced back to natural organic carbon. The improved biotechnological use of photosynthesis seems to be especially promising with regard to algae, as they do not need agricultural land and they have higher yields per unit area. The article shows which expectations are realistic and where physiological and technical limitations lie. In this context, energy balances play a central role. Different system boundaries will appear depending on whether biomass production is referred to or the whole value-added chain is taken into account. The now unavoidable climate change is a particular challenge, since not only technical, but also system-ecological aspects come to the fore and influence socio-ethical decisions in society.