Bio-Driven Energy Innovation: Harnessing Living Systems for Generation, Storage, and Carbon Integration

The global transition toward net-zero energy and climate resilience demands more than conventional biomass-to-fuel pathways. The next frontier lies in deploying living systems that can actively generate, store, and balance energy while managing carbon flows. Engineered algae and microbes are redefining renewable energy technologies. Beyond producing advanced biofuels, these systems are enabling bio-electrochemical electricity generation, sustainable hydrogen and biogas production, and on-demand bioenergy storage. When integrated into modern energy infrastructures, they not only stabilize grids but also contribute to climate mitigation through dynamic CO₂ capture, cycling, and valorization.

Goal:

This Research Topic seeks to showcase cutting-edge advances in engineered algal and microbial systems for direct energy production, clean energy storage, smart carbon integration, and system-wide sustainability. It aims to bridge bioenergy, bioelectrochemistry, carbon cycling, and next-generation energy infrastructure to highlight transformative research and practical innovations.

Scope and Information for Authors:

We invite original research, reviews, and perspectives covering (but not limited to):

• Algal and microbial platforms for direct energy production (electricity, hydrogen, biogas, etc.)
• Bioenergy storage through living systems (bio-batteries, microbial fuel cells, etc.)
• Biological carbon cycling integrated with renewable energy technologies
• Hybrid or coupled systems combining biological and conventional energy platforms
• Studies that include rigorous technical evaluation and life cycle assessment (LCA) of bio-driven energy systems


Manuscripts demonstrating innovative integration of living biological systems in energy production, storage, or carbon cycling - especially those with practical, scalable impact - are particularly encouraged.