 Microalgae have the potential to produce biodiesel without competing for arable land or natural landscapes, but high lipid productivity is a prerequisite for commercial production. Environmental stresses can induce lipid biosynthesis in microalgae, and various techniques such as nutrient stress, osmotic stress, radiation, pH, temperature, heavy metals, and chemicals have been studied to identify efficient methods for lipid induction. Genetic strategies are also being developed to increase triacylglyceride production and inducibility. This article was authored by Kier M. Schenck, Talpesh K. Sharma, and Holger Schumann.