Comparison of energy production, net energy balance, net energy ratio, and renewable index for biodiesel production from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) based on life cycle assessment

Abstract

Biodiesel is produced mostly from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) and used intensively in Indonesia. This happened because since 2007 Indonesia has become the main palm oil producer in the world. On the other hand, jatropha is a non-edible and easy to grow industrial plant in various regions in Indonesia, which makes it a good alternative for the production of biodiesel fuel. The objective of this research is to calculate and analyze the consumption of energy production, renewable energy, non-renewable energy, fossil energy and see the relationship of net energy balance (NEB), net energy ratio (NER), and renewable index (RI) for biodiesel production from E. guineensis and J. curcas based on life cycle assessment (LCA) which reflects the condition of Indonesia. The result showed that the energy input in oil palm is higher than J. curcas which reflected by higher NEB and lower RI value. The NEB value of E. guineensis and J. curcas is 146 948.08 and 39 334.79, repectively. The RI value of E. guineensis and J. curcas is 0.162 and 0.270, respectively. NER value of BDF-CPO (biodiesel fuel-crude E. guineensis) and BDF-CJCO (biodiesel fuel-crude J. curcas oil) is higher than 1.