Biodiesel Sector Research Articles

Techno-economic assessment of co-production of biodiesel and epoxy fatty acid methyl ester as renewable fuel and plasticizer from waste cooking oil

Diversifying waste cooking oil (WCO)-based biodiesel production towards epoxy fatty acid methyl esters (EFAMEs) offers a double gain, boosting revenue channels in the biodiesel sector and driving the development of sustainable phthalate plasticizer alternatives. This study explored the techno-economic feasibility of co-derived biodiesel and EFAMEs from WCO using a three-step process involving enzymatic transesterification, urea complexation, and performic acid epoxidation. The result shows that a plant processing 61,300 tonnes/year of WCO, may produce ∼27,770 tonnes/year of biodiesel and ∼30,180 tonnes/year of EFAMEs, with a total heating duty of 1,124 kW and annual electricity consumption of 34.9 million kWh. The initial capital investment of the plant in China amounts to 136.8 MM CNY, with an annual manufacturing cost of 460 MM CNY in 2022. Techno-economic evaluation demonstrats a net present value (NPV) of 421.9 MM CNY at a 10 % discount rate, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 37.69 %, and discounted payback period of 2.37 years. The break-even point (BEP) is estimated at an annual sales volume of total products of 27,101 tonnes/year, including 12,790, 11,769, 2,542, and 2,390 tonnes/year of epoxy plasticizers, biodiesel, glycerol, and polymeric grease, respectively, collectively utilizing 42.38 % of the processing capacity. Monte Carlo simulation indicates minimal risk of the project, with probabilities of 98.5 % for IRR > 10 % and 97.8 % for a positive NPV. This study affirms the economic viability of co-producing biodiesel and EFAMEs from WCO for industrial application.

Biodiesel Synthesis from Date Seed Oil Using Camel Dung as a Novel Green Catalyst: An Experimental Investigation

Biodiesel is seen as more environmentally benign than petroleum-based fuels. It is also cheaper and capable of creating cleaner energy, which has a good impact on increasing the bioeconomy. An investigation was conducted on a novel heterogeneous catalyst system utilized in the synthesis of eco-friendly biodiesel from date seed oil, a non-edible feedstock obtained through the calcination of desiccated camel manure at varying temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize this catalyst. As a result of raising the calcination temperature, the results showed that the pore size of the catalyst decreased. The biodiesel production was optimized to be 86% by using the transesterification method. The optimal reaction parameters included a catalyst with 4% loading, a molar ratio of 1:8 between date seed oil and ethanol, and a temperature of 75 °C for a reaction period of three hours. The confirmation of FAME generation was achieved by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The fuel qualities of fatty acid ethyl ester are in accordance with ASTM, suggesting that it is a suitable alternative fuel option. Utilizing biodiesel derived from waste and untamed resources to establish and execute a more sustainable and ecologically conscious energy plan is praiseworthy. The adoption and integration of green energy practices could potentially yield positive environmental outcomes, thereby fostering enhanced societal and economic development for the biodiesel sector on a broader scale.

Oilseed viability: A crucial factor for the success of the biodiesel industry

The oil derived from the seeds of the pongamia plant (Pongamia pinnata) has the potential to produce biodiesel. However, pongamia oil's high viscosity and conradson carbon residue make it unsuitable to use directly as a fuel in the already existing diesel engines. As a result, the experiments were carried out to determine the effectiveness of employing pongamia seeds with varying levels of seed viability for biodiesel production through transesterification process. The study looked at the relationship between seed physiological characteristics and extracted oil qualities in view of production of biodiesel through single step trasesterification process. The decreased seed viability was reflected in feedstock qualities such as free fatty acids (FFAs), saponification value (SV), iodine value (IV), cetane number (CN), and antioxidant enzyme activity. The pongamia seed lot exhibited >60 % germination rates contained oil with low FFAs, low SV and high IV. The oil's low free fatty acid content (1.8 %) aids biodiesel production via a single-step alkali-based trans-esterification method. Thus, seed lots with higher viability enhance fuel properties, but decreasing FFAs in pongamia oil increases fuel production capabilities of seeds. Seeds with good viability exhibited lower oil oxidation potential due to higher antioxidant enzyme activity. The rapid viability evaluation test kit can be used at any stage of seed storage to determine whether oilseeds are suitable for biodiesel production. These findings will enable energy plantation growers to increase their profits by providing the biodiesel sector with high-quality feedstock.

Synthesis of Ceiba pentandra biodiesel using ultrasound and infrared radiation: Comparison and fuel characterisation.

Abstract The continuous expending of the economy and population in modern society has caused an increase in energy usage. Currently, fossil fuels and renewable energy are used to generate energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. A significant effort has been made globally to address the issue of rising emissions by boosting the usage of renewable energy. In comparison to fossil fuels, biodiesel has many benefits, including the ability to be produced from a wide range of feedstocks, the ability to be renewable, and the reduction of atmospheric pollution emissions. Besides, advanced technologies can help the biodiesel sector meet the energy demand while producing high-quality biodiesel. The Ceiba pentandra was used for biodiesel production using ultrasound-infrared applications in the present research work. The study aims to produce biodiesel for a better conversion rate and improve fuel properties. Comparisons were conducted using a combination of infrared ultrasound versus ultrasound irradiation. The results show that ultrasound produced the highest yield of 98.76% when the conditions were as follows: methanol/oil ratio: 60%, KOH: 1%, reaction time: 50 minutes. Yet, the addition of infrared on ultrasound has also produced a high conversion yield in a shorter time than ultrasound. A 98.42% biodiesel yield option when using infrared-ultrasound irradiation with conditions as follows: methanol/oil ratio: 60%, KOH: 1%, reaction time: 30 minutes. As both applications were examined, the ultrasound-infrared application was preferable in saving time and energy constraints for biodiesel production. The fuel properties were found to be equivalent to ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 biodiesel standards.

A Two-Dimensional Cu-Based Nanosheet Producing Formic Acid Via Glycerol Electro-Oxidation in Alkaline Water.

The sluggishness of the complementary oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is reckoned as one of the major drawbacks in developing an energy-efficient green hydrogen-producing electrolyzer. An array of organic molecule oxidation reactions, operational at a relatively low potential, have been explored as a substitute for the OER. Glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) has emerged as a leading alternative in this context because glycerol, a waste of biodiesel manufacturing, has become ubiquitous and accessible due to the significant growth in the biodiesel sector in recent decades. Additionally, the GOR generates several value-added organic compounds following oxidation that enhance the cost viability of the overall electrolysis reaction. In this study, a low-cost, room temperature operable, and energy-efficient synthetic methodology has been developed to generate unique two-dimensional CuO nanosheets (CuO NS). This CuO NS material was embedded on a carbon paper electrode, which showcased excellent glycerol electro-oxidation performance operational at a moderately low applied potential. Formic acid is the major product of this CuO NS-driven GOR (Faradaic efficiency ~80 %), as it is formed primarily via the glyceraldehyde oxidation pathway. This CuO NS material was also active for oxidizing other abundant alcohols like ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, albeit at a relatively poor efficiency. Therefore, this robust CuO NS material has displayed the potential to be used in large-scale electrolyzers functioning with HER/GOR reactions.

Glycerol-Free Biodiesel via Catalytic Interesterification: A Pathway to a NetZero Biodiesel Industry

Conventional biodiesel manufacturing uses alcohol as an acyl acceptor, resulting in glycerol as a side product. The increased demand for biodiesel has led to the production of a substantial surplus of glycerol, exceeding the market need. Consequently, glycerol is now being regarded as a byproduct, and in some cases, even as waste. The present study aims to suggest an economically viable and ecologically friendly approach for maintaining the viability of the biodiesel sector. This involves generating an alternative byproduct of higher value, rather than glycerol. Triacetin is produced through the interesterification of triglycerides with methyl acetate, and is a beneficial ingredient to biodiesel, reducing the need for extensive product separation. The primary objective of this research is to improve the interesterification reaction by optimising process parameters to maximise biodiesel production while using sulphuric acid as an economically viable catalyst. The study utilised the Box–Behnken design (BBD) to investigate the influence of various process variables on biodiesel yield, such as reaction time, methyl acetate to oil molar ratio, and catalyst concentration. An optimisation study using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) focused on key process reaction parameters, including the methyl acetate to oil (MA:O) molar ratio, catalyst concentration, and residence time. The best conditions produced a biodiesel blend with a 142% yield at a 12:1 MA:O molar ratio, with 0.1 wt% of catalyst loading within 1.7 h. The established technique is deemed to be undeniably effective, resulting in an efficient biodiesel production process.

Resilience assessment model for biodiesel supply chain: an Indonesian case study

Biodiesel is a significant energy resource that yields sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits. The escalation of global tensions has contributed to increased uncertainty in the energy industry, including in the biodiesel sector. The biodiesel supply chain is frequently exposed to various risks from upstream to downstream supply chain. The ability to respond effectively to disruptions is vital for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the supply chain. Hence, supply chain resilience must be developed. The objective of this study is to design a resilience assessment model by connecting vulnerability factors with capability factors in a relationship matrix. A comprehensive review of the literature and rigorous experts’ opinions are the foundation for this model. The Indonesian biodiesel supply chain can be utilized as a case study to develop strategies based on this assessment to boost business resilience. Some research methods are used in this research such as review literature, questionnaires, expert opinions, and discussion. The assessment model matches various vulnerabilities, including turbulence, external pressure, and resource limits, to capabilities, including flexibility in sourcing, flexibility in order fulfillment, capacity, visibility, adaptability, and collaboration in supply chain resilience. The capability of risk sharing with partners and supplier contract flexibility are common strategies employed by the company to mitigate potential risks and uncertainties, particularly those arising from pricing and supply volatility. This research shows the relationship between vulnerabilities and supply chain capabilities, which enables managers to better prioritize SC capabilities based on the outcomes of the evaluation matrix. This study is also providing valuable insight for the policy implication to promote collaborations amongst Indonesian’s biodiesel supply chains.

ISPO Policy on Palm Oil Industry and Biodiesel Development in North Aceh

The total area of oil palm plantations in Aceh Utara Regency is 33,781.64 hectares, managed and operated by 11 oil palm plantation companies. In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture Number 11/Permentan/Ot.140/3/2015 regarding the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification System (ISPO), the Government of Aceh Utara Regency has formulated a vision for the palm oil industry within its jurisdiction. This vision is centered around sustainability and its influence on the growth of the biodiesel sector in Aceh Utara Regency. To achieve this, the government encourages the palm oil industry to adopt ISPO certification. This research aims to analyze and describe the challenges, roles, and initiatives undertaken by the Government in Aceh Utara Regency to promote ISPO certification within the palm oil industry. The research employs an empirical juridical approach, encompassing the identification of research subjects, a statutory analysis, and horizontal and vertical synchronization methodologies to address the implementation of ISPO certification. The results of study reveal that the Government of Aceh Utara Regency has actively motivated palm oil plantation entrepreneurs to swiftly pursue ISPO certification. The government has established a dedicated team and allocated funds to expedite the implementation of ISPO.

Vacuum-assisted adsorption of Candida rugosa lipase with nanotubes for monooleoglycerol synthesis

A surplus of crude glycerol has been produced as a by-product due to the escalating production of biofuels. Utilization of crude glycerol for monoolein production which offers a different approach using the abandoned crude glycerol from the biodiesel sector is the main aim of this study. Immobilized lipase was used in this investigation to catalyse the direct esterification of oleic acid and glycerol, which resulted in monoolein. The immobilized Candida rugosa lipase onto the halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) has shown remarkably promising attainment of lipase activity and loading capacity. The immobilised lipase was optimised for crucial parameters (HNT to lipase ratio, pH, temperature, and pressure) via response surface methodology (RSM). The recommended optimum conditions obtained are pH 6, 38.6 °C, and 0.33 atm (81.92% lipase activity). To analyse influences of reaction period, temperature, mixing rate, and crude glycerol to oleic acid molar ratio on the esterification reaction was carried out using the optimized conditions of immobilization process. The optimum conditions for physically immobilised lipase were to yield 88.97% monoolein produced at 42 °C in a substrate ratio of 1:4 (oleic acid: glycerol) stirred at 200 rotations per minute (rpm) with 16 h’ incubation time. Based on the research's findings, it was confirmed that HNT has good application potential for enzyme immobilization carriers.

Impactos socioeconômicos da cadeia produtiva do biodiesel na agricultura familiar dos estados brasileiros do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e do Mato Grosso (MT)

Abstract This paper evaluates the different socioeconomic impacts of the biodiesel sector on family farming and other sectors of the economy of the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso, which are the largest biodiesel producers in Brazil and have structural and regional differences. The Input-Output Theory was the methodology used to measure the direct and indirect effects on the jobs generated and on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The research shows that the production of biodiesel via family farming in Rio Grande do Sul is 66 times that of Mato Grosso, generating approximately 19,000 jobs, which is explained by the greater development of the agricultural sector in Rio Grande do Sul. Compared to fossil diesel, one million barrels of oil equivalent of family biodiesel in Rio Grande do Sul generates 7,700 jobs, while the fossil route generates 1,600 jobs.

Second-generation biodiesel in Brazil: an analysis of research on animal fats through social and complex networks

The production of second-generation biodiesel is seen as more sustainable than first-generation biodiesel as it is produced from residues such as animal fats, a by-product of the meat industry. In Brazil, the biodiesel sector has become the main market for animal fats, absorbing around 712 thousand tons in 2018, equivalent to 38% of the fat produced. In order to reach this level, research and development were carried out supported by the Brazilian government through the Brazilian Biodiesel Technology and Innovation Network. The objective of this study is to map the scientific networks formed by Brazilian organizations that have collaborated to solve research problems regarding animal fats for biodiesel production through Social Networks Analysis and The Theory of Complex Networks. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted in the main collection of Web of Science (WoS). It was observed that research started in 2008 and involved more than 80 institutions. The institutional network formed was of a small-world type, composed of 20 clusters. The research was indexed in 19 knowledge areas, with an emphasis on Chemistry, Energy and Fuels, and Engineering and 70% of them received some type of funding to conduct the research.

Economic impacts of biodiesel policy in Indonesia: a computable general equilibrium approach

The Government of Indonesia has been promoting the advancement of the biodiesel sector to fulfill its commitment to support clean energy, energy security, and rural development. This paper examines the economic impact of the biodiesel sector using a computable general equilibrium model. Besides analyzing the impacts on the national macroeconomic conditions, other sectors, and household incomes, our model has also included a regional block to capture the impact of the biodiesel mandate on regional growth. Two simulations were performed: (1) fulfillment of the 30% biodiesel blending target (B30 mandate), and (2) Simulation 1 combined with the European Union's biodiesel trade ban resulting in an export reduction of 5.18%. The results show that the two simulations provide positive impacts on macroeconomic variables, including real gross domestic product and real wages. However, the B30 mandate and the combined effect of the EU trade ban still yield an inflationary effect in the short term. They also potentially reduce the production of several agricultural products—such as sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, and soybeans—leading to an increase in food prices. The policy implications highlight that the current B30 mandate and EU ban cannot automatically improve the fuel trade balance.

Putting transnational “hybrid” governance to work: An examination of EU-RED's implementation in the Argentinean biodiesel sector

The European Renewable Energy Directive (EU-RED) constitutes a ‘hybrid’ system of governance: the European Commission, a formal political authority, has set a number of sustainability criteria for the production of biofuels; however, private voluntary certification schemes are the most widely used method through which compliance is verified. In this way, EU-RED acquires the capacity to be implemented and controlled beyond European borders. This paper’s goal is to assess the potentials and limitations of this hybrid initiative of governance to enhance sustainability transnationally. To do so, we analyze the implementation of EU-RED in the case of biodiesel produced in Argentina and consumed in the European Union. In this way, we go beyond the literature’s focus on EU-RED’s institutional framework and analyses of its potential impacts, examining instead its actual implementation on the ground. We assess its effects both in terms of governance – by determining how EU-RED affects the relations of coordination among actors in the chosen global value chain – and upgrading – by determining EU-RED’s capacity to advance the social, environmental and economic conditions of biodiesel production in Argentina. The analysis shows that EU-RED’s implementation reproduces power asymmetries between European traders and Argentinean biodiesel producers, while it softens inequalities between the latter and their soy suppliers. In terms of sustainability, we identified irrelevant social and limited environmental impacts, while the most relevant form of upgrading is associated with economic factors.

Determination of Biodiesel Production Volume of Sunflower as the Major Oilseed Crop in Turkey

Our agricultural system is struggling to respond to increasing demands for food and renewable energy. We need to prioritize our production of local biofuel feedstocks by going through energy diversification, whose raw material is based on agriculture. The need for biofuels, which are among the renewable energy sources in our country, is increasing day by day, especially in terms of energy security and sustainability. Sunflower, cotton, safflower, and rapeseed are among the vegetable oil feedstock sources of biodiesel production, an important place among biofuels in our country. The most abundant source of oil raw material belongs to sunflower. Is this year 2019 sowing season in our country, 2 100 000 tons of sunflower were harvested with a yield of 27 937 kg per hectare during the planting works carried out on 751 693 hectares of land. This study aimed to determine the potential biodiesel volume of the sunflower plant according to the data of 2019. As a result of the calculations, this oilseed plant's potential biodiesel production volume in our country has been determined as 582 643 166 liters. For the biodiesel sector to produce uninterruptedly, the production studies of second-generation biodiesel raw materials, which are not used in the food sector, are compatible with the conditions of our country, especially in low water demand, and can be grown quickly in marginal areas.

THE POTENTIAL USE OF BEEF TALLOW FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION IN BRAZIL

Biodiesel has been presented worldwide as a viable alternative to petroleum-based fuels. In 2018, the main raw materials in this Brazilian sector was soybean (70.52%) and beef tallow (13.4%). The Brazilian mandatory biodiesel-diesel blend is currently 10% (B10), but B20 is estimated for 2030. Additionally, the National Program for the Production and Use of Biodiesel (PNPB) intends to promote the diversification of raw materials in the energy matrix, where the beef tallow - a residue of the beef production - has been increasing importance. Brazil presents as the global largest commercial beef producer and exporter. Then, the use of beef tallow would allow the expansion of biodiesel production without fuel x food competition and provide a nobler use than disposal for it. In this sense, this article analyzes, through a review, the potential of beef tallow for biodiesel production in Brazil. This raw material has price, quantity and quality for generating a biodiesel in the specifications required by regulatory agencies. Therefore, beef tallow is a potential raw material for the expansion of the biodiesel sector in Brazil and this experience can be useful for other countries.

바이오디젤부문의 경제적 파급효과 비교 분석

This study sought to investigate the economic effects of a biodiesel sector. To achieve this goal, this study applied an input-output (IO) analysis to evaluate the economic effects of biodiesel and diesel sectors using the 2018 IO table published by the Bank of Korea in 2020. As a result of IO analysis for a biodiesel mixing ratio of 3% (750 thousand k1), biodiesel showed a higher production-inducing effect, value-added creation effect, and employment-inducing effect over diesel. In comparisons between biodiesel scenarios, with the exception of the import-inducing effect, the higher the proportion of domestic raw materials, the higher the production, value-added, and employment inducing effects were.

Effect of COVID-19 on Biodiesel Industry: A Case Study in Indonesia and Malaysia

Indonesia and Malaysia are currently holding prominent roles in the global palm oil market. Both countries are the top two palm oil producers in the world and have ambitious targets to increase the palm oil-based biodiesel mandate. In Indonesia, the current programme of blending 20 per cent palm oil into 80 per cent diesel (B20) increases to B30 in 2020. Likewise, Malaysia plans to increase its biodiesel mandate from B10 to B20 in 2020. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has infected millions and brought the global economy to a near-deadlock. The effect is particularly severe in the fuel industry owing to movement restrictions and the historic drop in oil prices. Evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 on the biodiesel industry is crucial for policymakers but challenging as the pandemic has evolved with intense speed. This article aims to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Indonesian and Malaysian biodiesel industry. In addition to that, a number of possible solutions to overcome the challenges were addressed and proposed. Despite severely affected by COVID-19, both Indonesia and Malaysia can use this momentum to improve and strengthen their biodiesel sector. Given its fiscal deficit, Indonesia should postpone its biodiesel blending mandate as the subsidy to support the programme can worsen the country’s financial stability. In Malaysia, where labour shortage is prevalent, modernising plantations with automated equipment, for instance, could potentially remove the dirty and dangerous stereotypes associated with plantation works, thus attracting more locals to work in the palm oil plantation and solving the labour shortage. This paper also briefly addresses the adoption of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy for the palm oil biodiesel industry.

Economic and social impacts of the biodiesel industry: Assessment and policy implications in Spain

Aim of study: This study evaluates, through the input-output (I-O) methodology, the economic and social impacts (Gross Value Added –GVA– and job creation) of the national biodiesel industry on the Spanish economy in the recent past (between 2005 and 2018). These impacts are also simulated for different scenarios, for an average year following a trend from the past, based on different hypotheses on biodiesel production, trade balance and national production of raw materials. The aim is to guide decision-makers in the planning and design of regulations with implications in the domains of energy, economy and employment.Area of study: Spain.Material and methods: I-O methodology.Main results: The contribution of the biodiesel sector to GVA and job creation in Spain was very high during the construction phase of the biodiesel industry. However, this has been very limited during the operational phase, mainly due to imports of biodiesel and raw material, from Indonesia and Argentina. The economic and social impacts of this industry would be greater if higher amounts of domestic raw materials were used.Research highlights: The results justify public support for the operation of existing biodiesel plants in Spain in order to increase gross domestic product and employment, including the further implementation of specific measures to encourage domestic production. Policy measures to increase the use of national raw materials could include promoting rapeseed as an ideal cereal rotation in Spain and establishing contracting systems that guarantee farmers' profitability.

Sustainability of Palm Biodiesel in Transportation: a Review on Biofuel Standard, Policy and International Collaboration Between Malaysia and Colombia.

Biodiesel is gaining prominence as a superior alternative source of energy to replace petroleum-based fuel in transportation. As of today, the biodiesel market continuous to rise up as the biofuel has been introduced to more than 60 countries worldwide. The aim of the present review is to highlight on the scenario of the biofuel implementation in transportation sector towards sustainable development in Colombia and Malaysia. Colombia serves as an ideal comparative case for Malaysia in terms of biodiesel development since the country is the main palm oil producer in Latin America region and the pioneer in bioethanol industry. The first section shows an overview on the biodiesel as an alternative fuel in transportation. The next section will focus on a comparative study between Malaysia and Colombia biodiesel sector in terms of energy supply, resource, production and consumption, standards, techno-economic cost and their biodiesel policies. A comprehensive review was studied to discuss on the sustainability of palm cultivation and biodiesel, impact of palm industry and biodiesel policy in transportation sector and potential international collaboration between Malaysia and Colombia to improve their existing policies, strategies and blueprints related to the palm biodiesel industry, thus overcoming the challenges when dealing with global energy issue.

The Biodiesel Economic Indicators in Northern Brazil Based on Tocantins State

This article aimed to perform a regional analysis of biofuel through the biodiesel production capacity in Tocantins in 2008 and 2017. The guiding question of this research was: what is the importance of the biodiesel sector in Brazil and Tocantins, in relation to the sectors of services, industry and storage services in terms of production capacity. The hypothesis is that, in relation to production capacity, the Tocantins biodiesel sector has lost its potential compared to other economic sectors in the state. Taking as theoretical assumption the theories of regional development. Data were collected from the website of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). The results show that biodiesel in 2008 had potential for Tocantins economy, but not in the same proportionality in 2017.