Title: Microalgal oil production for use in rice farms in Albufera (València) region

Authors: Alfred Wong; Enrique A. Navarro; Alejandro J. Abril

Addresses: Arbokem Inc., Post Office Box 34173, Vancouver V6J 4N1, Canada ' IRTIC Institute, Universitat de València, C/. Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna (València), Spain ' IRTIC Institute, Universitat de València, C/. Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna (València), Spain; Instituto Cubano de Investigaciones de los Derivados de la Caña de Azúcar, San Miguel del Padrón, Habana 11000, Cuba

Abstract: In the Albufera (València) region of Spain, rice has been farmed for nearly 500 years. Post-harvest flooding of rice fields has become an integral element of wetland refuge for migratory birds. The steady rise in the cost of purchased inputs is causing considerable economic stress to the viability of rice farming in this region. In 2011, it has been estimated the cost of purchased diesel accounted for about 15% of the gross revenue from grain sales. Setting aside about 1.6% of the 14,350-hectare paddy fields for the dedicated year-round cultivation of oleaginous microalgae appears to be sufficient for the entire annual need of diesel fuel. The isolated crude microalgal oil could be used directly in diesel farm equipment, with only minor modifications of the diesel engine required for the optimisation of performance and minimisation of the emission of pollutants. The net economic gain would be nearly €2 million annually.

Keywords: Albufera; Spain; diesel costs; economics; energy; oleaginous microalgae; rice farming; oil production; wetlands; fuel costs; grain sales; farm equipment; diesel engines; biofuels; emissions reduction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGE.2013.057437

International Journal of Green Economics, 2013 Vol.7 No.2, pp.181 - 196

Published online: 13 Sep 2014 *

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