In this work we aimed to develop a transformative concept for biofuel producing microalgae photobioreactors. The concept is based on: (1) the delivery of light along low-cost sheet waveguides and (2) CO2 delivery and product extraction using porous hollow fibers. This new approach to bioenergy production could enable ultra-compact reactors with: very high densities (thereby requiring less land), more efficient solar energy-to-photosynthetic product conversion, and dramatically lower operational energy costs and water usage. Compact reactors built as single, self-contained units could also be deployed to any location where sunlight is available enabling them to be co-located with carbon-sources. Over the course of the project we were able to construct a prototype reactor and demonstrate direct ethylene production from un-harvested organisms at a rate 5x that of a standard bench-top reactor. We also developed several operational technologies including the use of surface scatterers to enhance light delivery and UV light to provide in-situ sterilization. We were able to demonstrate continuous operation of the reactor for as long as 3 weeks.