Dr Houda Ennaceri, Forrest Research Fellow at Murdoch University, is pioneering sustainable solutions to one of the biggest challenges in renewable energy, making biofuels economically viable. Today’s biofuel production relies heavily on agricultural crops, raising concerns over food and water security. In contrast, microalgae can produce up to 100 times more oil than traditional crops, grow in wastewater, and use sunlight and CO₂ to generate renewable fuels. However, high processing costs, particularly in separating algae from water—have limited large-scale adoption.
Dr Ennaceri’s research focuses on solving this barrier by developing low-cost biofilm cultivation systems that dramatically reduce production costs and make industrial-scale microalgal biofuel viable. Her system integrates wastewater treatment, nutrient recycling, and carbon capture while achieving up to a 90% reduction in feedstock costs compared to conventional methods.
Western Australia’s high solar irradiance and warm climate make it an ideal location for year-round algae cultivation. By combining technical innovation with regional opportunity, Dr Ennaceri’s research is helping transform waste into renewable fuel, paving the way for sustainable bioenergy and carbon-neutral industries.