Microalgae-based biodiesel: Economic analysis of downstream process realistic scenarios.

Highlights: [•] Microalgae base oil production was analyzed as a potential biodiesel feedstock. [•] Different harvesting and solvent lipid extraction pathways were evaluated. [•] It is of capital importance to reduce the investment of the cultivation process. [•] Biomass production (cultivation/harvesting) is responsible of 65% of the total cost. [•] The required biodiesel price must be around $6000 per MT to have a feasible process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]