MICROALGAE DERIVED BIOFUEL AS A PROSPECTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA

India is a large country with diverse landscape and abundant bio-resources. The growing demand for petroleum-based fuels associated with its growing economic status and the ever increasing population presents a great challenge to the energy security of a nation. Hence, alternative fuel resources and processes are becoming essentially impellent. With considerable sunshine, generally warm climate, sources of CO2 and other nutrients, low-quality water, and marginal lands, India has very favorable conditions to support algae farming for biofuels production. Sustainable algae biofuels production implies that this technology would not put additional demand on freshwater supplies and use low-quality water such as brackish/saline groundwater, recycled water, agricultural drainage waters and other wastewaters. The present article provides an understanding of this magnificent resource and its potential in India, for production of biofuels that promotes a sustainable system based technology as one of the best alternatives to overcome the looming energy crisis.