From food to fuel, AI helps pinpoint how to grow ‘microalgae’ at scale
Researchers are utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize the industrial-scale cultivation of microalgae for biofuel and food production. By managing complex environmental variables like light and oxygen, AI helps overcome the efficiency challenges inherent in photobioreactors.
Why it matters
Improving microalgae production efficiency is critical for developing sustainable, scalable renewable energy sources and alternative food supplies.
bastera rusdi/Shutterstock From food to fuel, AI helps pinpoint how to grow ‘microalgae’ at scale Published: October 6, 2026 4.28pm BST https://theconversation.com/from-food-to-fuel-ai-helps-pinpoint-how-to-grow-microalgae-at-scale-287903 https://theconversation.com/from-food-to-fuel-ai-helps-pinpoint-how-to-grow-microalgae-at-scale-287903 Link copied Share article Share article
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Microalgae (microscopic organisms that use light and carbon dioxide to grow) can be used to make ingredients and food for animals, pigments and potentially renewable fuels. But growing microalgae efficiently at an industrial scale is difficult.
My own research with microalgae began with their potential for biofuel production. I have been exploring how AI can help scientists scale up the growth of microalgae , particularly for the production of biofuel from microalgal species such as Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oculata .
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