Clean and Sustainable Biodiesel Production

Abstract

To date, the majority of world's primary energy is derived from fossil fuels. However, the fossil fuel recourses are in an inevitable decline as energy demand continues to grow exponentially with population growth, urbanization, and improved standards of living. Crude oil prices have recently risen several times and their current annual volatility exceeds 30%. The potential scarcity of fossil fuels has prompted a global search for alternative energy resources. Biodiesel fulfills the major requirements for production of alternative fuels such as feedstock availability, technical feasibility, and economic competitiveness. Together with other renewable biofuels, the use of biodiesel as a substitute of fossil‐based fuels is expected to reduce the dependence on imported petroleum and associated political and economic vulnerability, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and revitalize the economy. The objective of this article was to provide an update of the most recent technological advancements toward clean and sustainable biodiesel production through a thorough overview of biodiesel feedstocks, most promising transesterification processes, and opportunities for glycerol utilization for value‐added products. A critical analysis of the techno‐economical barriers and environmental challenges that need to be addressed in future R&D efforts toward commercialization and establishment of a sustainable and cost‐efficient biodiesel production is provided.

Recent Advances in Feedstock and Lipase Research and Development towards Commercialization of Enzymatic Biodiesel

“…Biodiesel has better lubricating properties compared to diesel fuels, which increases the usable life of high-pressure fuel injection equipment that relies on the fuel for its lubrication [8]. Furthermore, biodiesel is safer than petrodiesel because it is less combustible and, therefore, causes less damage if spilled or released to the environment [9].…”