22-06-2012, 04:52 PM
Opportunities and challenges for biodiesel fuel
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Introduction
Since the commencement of industrial revolution in the late
18th and early 19th century, energy has become an indispensable
factor for mankind to preserve economic growth and maintain
standard of living. The most of global primary energy production
derives from fossil energy. As shown in Fig. 1, fossil fuels accounted
for 88% of the primary energy consumption, with oil (35% share),
coal (29%) and natural gas (24%) as the major fuels, while nuclear
energy and hydroelectricity account for 5% and 6% of the total primary
energy consumption, respectively [1].
Profile of biodiesel
Historical background and development of biodiesel
Biodiesel, which can also be known as fatty acid methyl ester
(FAME), is produced from transesterification of vegetable oils or
animal fats with the addition of methanol as shown in Fig. 2 [6].
Biodiesel is quite similar to petroleum-derived diesel in its main
characteristics such as cetane number, energy content, viscosity
and phase changes [7]. Biodiesel contains no petroleum products,
but it is compatible with conventional diesel and can be blended
in any proportion with fossil-based diesel to create a stable biodiesel
blend. Therefore, biodiesel has become one of the most common
biofuels in the world.
Policy and government incentives
In general, the energy policy may include international treaties,
legislation on commercial energy activities (trading, transport,
storage, etc.), incentives for investment, guidelines for energy production,
conversion, and use (efficiency and emission standards),
taxation and other public techniques, energy-related research
and development, energy economy, general international trade
agreements and marketing energy diversity [142]. Current energy
policies also address environmental issues including environmental
friendly technologies to increase energy supplies and encourage
cleaner, more efficient energy use, air pollution, greenhouse effect
(mainly reducing carbon dioxide emissions), global warming and
climate change [143–146].
Conclusions
Biodiesel will form a small but very important part of global energy
supply in the coming decades. Under the appropriate conditions,
increasing biodiesel’s share of the energy mix can
contribute to meet important global needs such as reducing GHG
emissions, enhancing energy security and, particularly in developing
countries, promoting sustainable rural development [5].
However, for biodiesel to establish and continue to mature in
the market, various aspects must be examined and overcome. Even
biodiesel industry itself faces strong competition from non-ester
renewable diesel fuels and second generation bioethanol. Therefore,
some of the key issues such as improving efficiency of the production
process, using low cost feedstock, developing cost effective
catalyst, and managing agricultural land, have to be reviewed.
As with any new technology or products, biodiesel will require
continuous improvement especially in producing cleaner emissions
and having less impact on the environment. Further development
on the use of the by-product will enhance the economic
viability of the overall biodiesel production process.