Mapping the performance of photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation. Part III: subtropical and mid‐latitudes climate zone

BACKGROUND Identifying geographic locations with favorable climates for large‐scale openwork microalgae cultivation is a trend. In light of that, what we propose in this study is to map the performance of photobioreactors for microalgae culture in the subtropical (25° to 35° N and S) and mid‐latitudes (35° to 55° N and S) climate zones. Twenty geographic locations were chosen to represent 14 types of climates in the four seasons of the year. The study is a latitudinal, climatological and seasonal assessment. RESULTS The results showed that the subtropical climatic zone presents better conditions for microalgae growth with higher levels of biomass productivity and lipid productivity. The highest annual average biomass productivity (0.210 g L−1 d−1) and annual average lipid productivity (0.025 g L−1 d−1) were recorded in a simulation of hot desert climate (BWh). The winter season presents a minor potential for microalgae cultivation. CONCLUSION The results of this study shed light on the impact of subtropical and mid‐latitudes climate zone and seasons of the year on the performance of photoautotrophic microalgae‐based processes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).