Harnessing seaweeds for third-generation bioethanol: Opportunities in the Indian context

Kooren, Ros and Sumithra, T G and Mannur, V S and Jaseera, K V and Sunithakumari, K and Hasan, Shamiya and Ratheesh Kumar, R and Sharma, S R Krupesha and Kaladharan, P (2026) Harnessing seaweeds for third-generation bioethanol: Opportunities in the Indian context. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 87. pp. 1-17. ISSN 2213-1396

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Abstract

Seaweeds have emerged as a highly promising feedstock for third-generation (3G) bioethanol production, offering several advantages over terrestrial biomass, including lower lignin contents, faster growth rates, and minimal resource requirements. Despite India’s vast 8,000 km coastline, rich seaweed biodiversity, and strong coastal community, its contribution to global seaweed-based bioethanol production remains minimal. This review critically examines the untapped potential of Indian macroalgae for sustainable bioethanol production, highlighting opportunities and challenges. It discusses the current status, diversity and distribution of native seaweed species, their biochemical profiles, and strategies for prioritizing feedstocks. The review examines the advances in 3G bioethanol technologies ranging from seaweed collection, post-harvest processing, pretreatment strategies, fermentation to bioethanol recovery alongside the significance of integrated seaweed biorefineries and role of leading Indian research institutions. Future prospects are analysed, culminating in a proposed strategic roadmap to accelerate India’s transition from research to commercial-scale seaweed bioethanol production. By aligning scientific innovation with policy support and ecosystem-based resource management, India, third largest global energy consumer can position itself as a global leader in sustainable, seaweed-derived bioethanol, contributing to its bioenergy and blue economy ambitions. The manuscript presents the first comprehensive review on the prospects of seaweed-based bioethanol in India.

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