Microalgae cultivation technologies are generally classified into two types, namely, open, and closed systems. This chapter discusses the general design principles of each system, while considering their merits and demerits for microalgal cultivation. Furthermore, operating parameters, technical design, and efficiencies will be highlighted to illustrate the most suitable cultivation method for a wide range of microalgae species and output requirements. Microalgae possess high growth rates compared with plants, and their ability to capture solar energy and carbon dioxide makes them a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds.

More recently, their interest as biofuels feedstock is growing for the production of biodiesel, bio-oil and biogas. Microalgae possess high growth rates compared with plants, and their ability to capture solar energy and carbon dioxide makes them a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds. More recently, their interest as biofuels feedstock is growing for the production of biodiesel, bio-oil and biogas.