A new chapter from Springer Nature reviews the state of large-scale algae cultivation, covering its potential for biofuels, nutraceuticals, animal feed, and bioplastics while contributing to carbon capture and wastewater treatment. The authors highlight that algae can grow rapidly on nonarable land with limited inputs, making them attractive for a circular bioeconomy. However, scaling from lab to industrial production faces high capital costs, operational expenses, and reactor stability issues. The chapter examines real-world commercial algae farms and identifies practical strategies for overcoming these barriers. Innovations like automated photobioreactors, sensor-driven monitoring, and AI tools are discussed as ways to improve cost-efficiency and process control. Hybrid systems that combine algae with microbial or electrochemical technologies are also explored for added sustainability benefits. Life cycle assessments compare algae systems to traditional agriculture, revealing trade-offs in resource use and environmental impact. The chapter provides a balanced look at opportunities and obstacles, offering guidance for advancing algae-based technologies in future green industries.
