• CSIR - Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute
  • G20
Bio-based Fuels & Chemicals (other than seaweeds)

Title of Process/ Know-how/ Product/Design/Equipment

Microalgal biodiesel

  • IPR
    IPR Status & Details:
  • EP 2718453 A2
Application/Uses/Problem being addressed
  • Engine worthy biodiesel as substitute to diesel
  • Food vs Fuel Debate: Possibility of utilizing unusable land of salt farm for cultivation
  • Cost-effectiveness: Utilizing solar energy for biomass production
  • Indigenous raw material: Related IPR for production of oil-bearing Chlorella variabilis EP 2619303A1; US Patent 8741628
  • Dry sea as a substitute for the nutrients of sea water media for marine cultures (PCT/IN2012/000857)
    • Salient Technical Features including Competing Features/ Impact
  • Low energy requirement
  • Raw materials indigenously available
  • Identified best strain of Chlorella (halotolerant (3-8 Be') and thermotolerant (25-45oC))
  • Harvesting auto-settled dry biomass of Chlorella variabilis for high energy efficiency
  • Biorefinery approach
  • Scope of further improvisation
    • TRL Level & Scale of Development:
    TRL 4

    The process has been validated at pilot scale

    Business scope & opportunity (in terms of scale, cost, market etc.):

    The global advanced biofuel market is likely to grow to USD 44.6 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of close 44 percent by 2021

    Environmental Considerations:
    • The process is eco-friendly
    • It can bring down CO2 emissions
    Status of Licensing:
    Not yet licensed
    Status of Commercialization:
    Not applicable
    Major Raw Materials Needed

    Microalgae oil; Chemicals and Solvents

    Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required

    Open ponds, Pilot centrifuge, Glass reactors, Soxhlet extraction system

    Techno-Economics

    Tentative Price: ₹125/- per litre; Collaboration sought on further refinement

    Technology Package

    Available on request for “as is where is basis”