Sustainable Biofuels

Biofuels

What are Biofuels?

Biofuels are energy sources made from living things, or the waste that living things produce. Supporters of biofuels argue that their use could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions; while burning the fuels produces carbon dioxide, growing the plants or biomass removes carbon diozide from the atmosphere. Detractors claim that biofuel production poses a major threat to global food systems and the natural environment.

Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel production cycle

Biodiesel is commonly produced by the transesterification of the vegetable oil or animal fat feedstock. There are several methods for carrying out this transesterification reaction including the common batch process, supercritical processes, ultrasonic methods, and even microwave methods. Chemically, transesterified biodiesel comprises a mix of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids.

Economic and Environmental Impact of Biodiesel

Biodiesel

Economic impact

Multiple economic studies have been performed regarding the Economic impact of Biodiesel production. One study, commissioned by the National Biodiesel Board, reported the 2011 production of biodiesel supported 39,027 jobs and more than $2.1 billion in household income. The growth in biodiesel also helps significantly increase GDP (Gross Domestic Product). In 2011, Biodiesel created more than $3 billion in GDP. Judging by the continued growth in the Renewable Fuel Standard and the extension of the biodiesel tax incentive, the number of jobs can increase to 50,725, $2.7 billion in income, and reaching $5 billion in GDP by 2012 and 2013.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel

What Is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel similar to conventional or ‘fossil’ diesel. Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that is reducing dependence on petroleum, creating jobs and improving the environment. Biodiesel can be used alone, or blended with petrodiesel in any proportions. Biodiesel blends can also be used as heating oil (as a heating fuel in domestic and commercial boilers). The National Biodiesel Board (USA) also has a technical definition of Biodiesel as a "mono-alkyl ester".

Biofuel Production Using Palm Oil

Biofuel

Biofuel

The high prices of petroleum have stimulated the rapid development of the Biofuel industry in the European Union, United States and to some extent in Malaysia. Biofuel offers strategic advantages for different sectors and stakeholders. That's why peoples start thinking about Biofuel and biofuel production.

Palm Oil Commodity in the Market Place

Palm oil Monthly Price

Palm Oil Commodity

Palm oil is the vegetable oil produced in largest amount having pushed soybean oil into second place in 2004/05. Palm Oil is generally the cheapest commodity vegetable oil and also the cheapest oil to produce and to refine. By reason of its availability and (relatively) low cost, it is an important component of the increasing intake of oils and fats in the developing world. Without the large volume of exported palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia, there would be a major problem in meeting world demand for vegetable oil.