Аннотация:The search for alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels is an urgent scientific and practical task. In this context, microalgae (MA) are a promising object of study as a raw material for the production of biofuels, since they have many advantages over other types of biomasses. Withdrawal of cultivated MA biomass for energy needs does not violate the natural conservation of organic matter in the biosphere. At the same time,MA plantations can serve as an effective sink of anthropogenic CO2, converting it into high-density energy.The paper defines the concept of the resource potential of microalgae biomass for biofuel production and carbon sequestration, as well as an algorithm for determining this potential and choosing the most optimal areas for open MA cultivation. Based on our own long-term laboratory and field experiments, as well as the analysisof literary sources, the criteria for selecting territories were determined and the threshold values of climatic characteristics for open MA cultivation were substantiated (illuminance no less than 4.0 kWh/m2/day, ratio of light and dark phases no less than 6 : 18, ambient temperature no lower than 15°C, etc.). Regions of Uzbekistan that are potentially suitable for MA cultivation and production of byproducts with high added value were identified on the basis of long-term meteorological data, territorial analysis, and characteristic values of MA productivity. MA of the genera Dunaliella and Arthrospira were considered as the object of research. The potential yields in open cultivation of MA in suitable areas for biomass, biofuel, and conversion of CO2 into the form of biochar have been determined.
