It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? 1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents. 2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed. 3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is B (2 and 3 only). Statements 2 and 3 describe real barriers for developing countries, while Statement 1 is false.

• Statement 1 is wrong. Algae are not confined to seas. They can be grown on land in open raceway ponds, in closed photobioreactors, and in saline or brackish water bodies. Some projects even use wastewater as the growth medium. Restricting production to the sea is a misconception.
• Statement 2 is correct. Designing and building an algae plant involves photobioreactor engineering, harvesting, dewatering, and lipid extraction. These steps need specialised technical know-how and capital, and developing countries often depend on imported technology until the facility is commissioned.
• Statement 3 is correct. Economic viability generally requires large facilities. These raise concerns about land and water use, possible competition with food production, displacement of local communities, and nutrient runoff.

The core concept is third-generation biofuel, which differs from first-generation (food-crop based) and second-generation (lignocellulosic) fuels. For Mains, this links to energy security, the food-versus-fuel debate, and sustainable land-use policy.

Trap: Candidates often accept the idea that algae must grow in seas, or they dismiss the technology barrier as minor because algae biofuel sounds like a simple biological process.