4 - Feedstocks for advanced biodiesel production

Abstract

This chapter presents the most frequent vegetable-based feedstocks for biodiesel production. It introduces first generation biodiesel and focuses on second generation biodiesel with emphasis on low-cost raw materials. Vegetable oils from non-edible plants, frying oils and animal fats constitute the most extensively studied raw materials for second generation biodiesel. In this chapter, other raw materials such as soapstocks or oils for green diesel production are reviewed. Finally, feedstocks for advanced biodiesel production, such as microbial oils (also named single cell oils) or microdiesel are studied, as they are considered to be among the promising raw materials for third generation biodiesel production. The chapter finishes with a brief overview about the biorefinery concept.