Global microalgae cultivation potential for biological carbon capture and utilization (CCU): Implications for international cooperation

Microalgae are emerging as pivotal components in Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology due to their ability to photosynthetically convert CO₂ into valuable compounds using solar energy. This study performed a comprehensive GIS-based analysis to identify optimal global locations for microalgae cultivation, establishing a foundation for international cooperation in biological CCU technology development. The research methodology integrated exclusion criteria (land cover, slope, protected areas) with evaluation criteria (surface temperature, solar radiation, water accessibility) to assess site suitability worldwide. Results revealed interesting geographical patterns: while Russia, Canada, and the United States possess the greatest quantity of suitable cultivation sites, countries like Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia offer superior environmental conditions for microalgae production. These findings provide critical insights for strategic facility placement and inform differentiated approaches to international cooperation in microalgae-based CCU implementation. By analyzing both the stability and variability of environmental conditions across regions, the study establishes a framework for optimizing cultivation efficiency and productivity based on location-specific attributes. The research outcomes serve as valuable foundational data to support future research and development as well as commercialization efforts in microalgae-based CCU technology. This work contributes to advancing sustainable carbon management strategies by identifying the most promising global regions for biological CCU systems.