Microalgal oil production for use in rice farms in Albufera (València) region
by Alfred Wong; Enrique A. Navarro; Alejandro J. Abril
International Journal of Green Economics (IJGE), Vol. 7, No. 2, 2013

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.

Online publication date: Sat, 13-Sep-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Green Economics (IJGE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com