Algae biofuels: versatility for the future of bioenergy

► Algae are the fastest growing organisms for biomass production. ► Algae can be used to generate hydrocarbons, ethanol, biogas, or hydrogen. ► Substantial progress has been made in strain identification, lipid extraction, and fuel refining. ► Work still needs to be done in harvesting, nutrient utilization and recycling, and crop protection. ► Algae are versatile source of bioenergy with perhaps the best potential as a sustainable energy source.