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CC BY 4.0 · Sustainability & Circularity NOW 2026; 03: a27789185
DOI: 10.1055/a-2778-9185
Policy Report

Algae-Driven Transition from Oil to Renewable Alternatives: Policy for Scale and Sustainability

Authors

  • Timo Gehring  ‡

    1   School of Engineering, htw Saar, University of Applied Sciences, Saarbrücken, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN542179)

  • Yvonne S. L. Choo  ‡

    2   Kelip-kelip! Center of Excellence for Light Enabling Technologies, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Malaysia (Ringgold ID: RIN528448)

  • Juliana Vidal  ‡

    3   Beyond Benign Inc., Wilmington, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN116697)

  • Fun Man Fung  ‡

    4   UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy, University College Dublin, Bedfield, Ireland (Ringgold ID: RIN8797)
    5   School of Chemistry, UCD College of Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland (Ringgold ID: RIN38023)

F. M. F. is grateful for a grant (R28085) from UCD in the start-up package. Y. S. L. C is grateful for Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund XMUMRF/2021-C7/IENG/0036.
Supported by: Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund XMUMRF/2021-C7/IENG/0036
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Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Algae cultivation offers a transformative alternative to mitigate the environmental and social impacts of fossil fuel dependency, replacing crude oil with a renewable carbon source to produce plastics and chemicals. This policy report evaluates algae technology as a pathway to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), emphasizing scalable and sustainable solutions. Current photobioreactor designs and low productivity hinder industrial-scale adoption (>1000 tons/year/facility); however, artificial lighting and interdisciplinary innovation present viable opportunities. We propose recommendations to accelerate this transition: developing high-productivity strains, novel photobioreactors optimized for scalability; fostering continuous operation and biofilm management; and integrating algae into industrial ecosystems via robust value chains. Education is pivotal — curricula must evolve to embed green chemistry and scale-up principles, equipping students to design sustainable systems. Funding should shift to reward scalable outcomes, verified through rigorous replication, while policies must align with multiple UN SDGs holistically. Cultural acceptance of algae-based products requires reframing public perception through targeted outreach. In uniting engineering, science, and education, this report envisions a bio-based, circular economy driven by algae technology. These advancements, if supported by research, investment, and societal buy-in, can position algae as a cornerstone of long-term sustainability, reducing reliance on fossil resources and fostering a resilient future.



Publication History

Received: 06 April 2025

Accepted after revision: 02 December 2025

Article published online:
19 January 2026

© 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Bibliographical Record
Timo Gehring, Yvonne S. L. Choo, Juliana Vidal, Fun Man Fung. Algae-Driven Transition from Oil to Renewable Alternatives: Policy for Scale and Sustainability. Sustainability & Circularity NOW 2026; 03: a27789185.
DOI: 10.1055/a-2778-9185
 

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