IGNITE SEMINA | TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR REDUCING THE COST OF ALGAE-BASED BIOFUELS IN VIETNAM

On Wednesday (January 14, 2026), the IGNITE Institute hosted a thematic seminar featuring a presentation by Prof. Dang Diem Hong, focusing on technological solutions to reduce the cost of algae-based biofuels—an emerging pathway in Vietnam’s sustainable energy strategy.

Through the presentation and academic discussions, the seminar addressed several key issues:

Vietnam possesses significant potential in terms of natural conditions and algal biomass resources; however, it also faces substantial challenges related to technology, production costs, and scalability for industrial deployment.

To reduce the cost of biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel), efforts should prioritize biomass optimization, the selection of algal strains with low cultivation costs and high lipid and carbohydrate content, and their compatibility with energy conversion processes.

The commercialization of algae-based biodiesel or bioethanol in Vietnam by the 2030–2045 period was assessed as feasible in certain market segments, though large-scale deployment will remain limited without technological breakthroughs and appropriate policy support.

Compared to other biomass sources, algae-based biofuels offer notable advantages, including high oil productivity, low or no lignin content, ease of processing, shorter production cycles, and reduced risk of chemical pollution. Nevertheless, production cost remains the determining factor for achieving true market competitiveness.

Regarding the goal of commercializing crude oil from microalgae at a cost equivalent to or lower than used cooking oil (UCO), current analyses indicate that algal oil remains more expensive, underscoring the need for continued investment in research and development, as well as large-scale production models.

The seminar not only provided in-depth scientific insights but also opened strategic perspectives for the long-term development of algae-based biofuels in Vietnam.