Sustaining Biodiesel Production via Value-Added Applications of Glycerol

Abstract

The production of biofuels worldwide has been significant lately due to the shift from obtaining energy from nonrenewable energy (fossil fuels) to renewable sources (biofuels). This energy shift arose as a result of the disturbing crude petroleum price fluctuations, uncertainties about fossil fuel reserves, and greenhouse gas (GHG) concerns. With the production of biofuels increasing considerably and the current global biodiesel production from different feedstock, reaching about 6 billion liters per year, biodiesel production costs have been highly dependent on feedstock prices, ranging from 70 to 25; of total production costs, and in comparison with the conventional diesel fuel, the biodiesel is currently noncompetitive. An efficient production process is, therefore, crucial to lowering biodiesel production costs. The question of sustainability, however, arises, taking into account the African diverse conditions and how vital concerns need to be addressed. The major concern about biodiesel production costs can be reduced by finding value-added applications for its glycerol byproduct. This paper, thus, provides an overview of current research trends that could overcome the major hurdles towards profitable commercialization of biodiesel and also proposes areas of opportunity probable to capitalize the surplus glycerol obtained, for numerous applications.

Conversion of crude and pure glycerol into derivatives: A feasibility evaluation

“…The conventional glycerol commodity market is very narrow, and any increase in biodiesel production causes a sharp decrease by more than 50% of its current value [35]. As such, glycerol derivatives can potentially occupy a large segment in the current market.…”

“…Biodiesel-based CG is not recommended for animal feed because the excess methanol in the animal diet affects normal physiological metabolism; as a consequence, central nervous system disorders, headaches, vomiting, blindness, or Parkinsonian-like motor diseases may occur [24,35]. The application of CG as a nutrient in biotechnology mainly involves microbial fermentation, enzymatic processes, or anaerobic digestion [40][41][42][43][44].…”

Effect of hydraulic retention time on the modelling and optimization of joint 1,3 PDO and BuA production from 2G glycerol in a chemostat process

“…In this context, the valorization of crude glycerol derived from the biodiesel industry into green chemicals and biofuels is considered of paramount importance [2] and has been largely investigated in the last decade, due to its increased availability. In fact, the production of crude glycerol is expected to surpass the commercial demand for purified glycerol [3], thus negatively affecting the economic viability of the small-medium sized biodiesel industries [4,5]. Consequently, crude glycerol is becoming a cheap and abundant feedstock, which can be used as a platform for biobased higher-value products.…”

Análise Da Gestão Do Glicerol: Riscos E Oportunidades Sobre Sua Destinação Frente À Lacuna Normativa E Aspectos Sustentáveis

“…Independentemente do setor, as normas ambientais deverão ser seguidas pelos produtores, buscando alternativas para se adequar (BADAJIDE, 2013). No entanto, como se deve tomar decisões frente a ausência de um sistema para incentivar, facilitar ou disciplinar uma atividade?…”