RESEARCH REPORT

BIODIESEL: WASTE ANIMAL FAT AND VEGETABLE OILS

Brielle Silveira IX-A

Biology Project (Term 2)

Introduction

Biofuels are fuels that come from renewable biological sources, like plants and algae, and can be used as a
transportation fuel, for heating, or to generate electricity. They can be liquid (ethanol/biodiesel), gases
(biogas/syngas) or solid (pellets/char). Biodiesel derived from waste animal fat or vegetable oils has emerged as
a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to the petroleum diesel that is still frequently used today.
Through transesterification (the process by which triglycerides (fats and oils) react with bio-alcohol to form
esters and glycerol), the waste products are converted into Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), the chemical
compounds that make up biodiesels. Using these waste materials to produce biodiesels contributes to the
environment by reducing environmental pollution, and minimizing the environmental footprint associated with
conventional diesel production. Furthermore, it reuses and recycles waste products that would otherwise
contribute to waste management challenges in the future.

Petroleum and Biodiesel: Same but Different?

Both petroleum and biodiesel are composed of hydrocarbon chains and burn in a similar way, with a very slight
difference in energy output (biodiesel being the lesser one). However, they are rather different too. Biodiesel
performs better in comparison to petroleum when considering efficiency and engine compatibility. It lacks
energy output per gallon by about 8-12%, but has enhanced performance ability and lasts longer due to its
superior lubricant qualities. Biodiesel emits much lesser sulfur oxides and particulate matter when burned,
thereby making it a more environment friendly option since it burns cleaner in comparison to petroleum.
Biodiesel also burns more smoothly and easily in engines because of its high cetane number (a measurement
that indicates the ignition quality of a fuel, the higher it is the better).

The Production Costs

The quality and availability of feedstock affect the cost of producing biodiesel. Biodiesel manufacturing is
economically competitive because to the low cost of waste animal fats and vegetable oils when compared to
virgin oils. The price of gathering, cleaning, and processing these commodities can differ, though. The typical
cost of producing biodiesel is between $3 and $5 per gallon, depending on geographical variables including
labor prices and technology infrastructure. Furthermore, advancements in waste collecting and purification
technology are contributing to additional cost reductions, increasing the accessibility and competitiveness of
biodiesel in the global market.
Limitations of Production

The main limitation when it comes to producing biodiesel from waste fats and oils is the feedstock availability.
Often, the quantity of waste animal fats and vegetable oils varies from region to region, and is finite - which
restricts large-scale production. Impurities in waste oils (water and free fatty acids) add complexity to the
process and also increase the production costs, while logistical challenges like transportation and collection of
the waste oils further complicate the process.

Energy Yield

While production can sometimes be an issue, one of the main/biggest advantages of biodiesel made from waste
fats and oils is that it has a very high net energy yield. For every unit of energy that is put into the production,
biodiesel creates around 5.5 units of energy, which demonstrates a good energy balance. The efficiency of such
a fuel surpasses several other renewable fuels and further highlights its usefulness as a sustainable energy
source. Additionally, the use of waste materials (of both animals and plants) avoids the intensive, energy-
draining process of growing and harvesting fresh crops and material to produce the fuel.

Emissions (Greenhouse Gases)

Lifecycle assessments conducted on biodiesel show reduction of GHG emissions of up to 90%. This indicates
that biodiesels significantly reduce emissions in comparison to conventional fuels and petroleum diesel. The
reduction is achieved by recycling the waste materials and using them to make the biodiesel rather than simply
letting them decompose and release methane into the atmosphere. The significant use of waste feedstock also
eliminates the emissions relating to crop cultivation and harvesting. Spills and leaks of biodiesel also have a very
minimal environmental impact in comparison to petroleum diesel.

Worldwide Usage and Production

Globally, biodiesel usage is only rising, with countries that have strong renewable fuel mandates taking the lead.
The USA, Brazil, and EU are the main producers and consumers of biodiesel, sometimes blending it with
petroleum to meet energy targets. For example, the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates blending
biodiesel into the national fuel supply, while the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II)
promotes its use with restrictions on unsustainable feedstocks. In some areas, the production and use of
biodiesel are further promoted by tax breaks and subsidies. Notably, Germany is the leading producer of
biodiesel, which makes up a sizable amount of the biofuel consumed in Europe.

Government Rules and Regulations

Governments and their policies play an important role in the adoption of biodiesel. The US Renewable Fuel
Standard (RFS) needs a certain percentage amount of biodiesel to be mixed into regular fossil fuels. Likewise, the
EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) highlights the use of biodiesel, especially for sustainable sources. Such
rules, along with the tax incentives and subsidies, have driven the production of biodiesel worldwide. In addition
to that, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have implemented biodiesel mandates to lower their dependency
on imported fuels, and to support the local economy by using domestic waste resources.

The Role of Biotechnology (with regards to biodiesel production)

Biotechnology aids the advancement of biodiesel production. The steady development of enzyme-related
processes to speed up transesterification and make it more efficient, along with microbial engineering to
produce biodiesel directly from waste oils hold promises to reduce production costs of biodiesel. Additionally,
biotechnological pre-treatment methods can help purify waste oils to ensure a higher quality feedstock.
Researchers are also exploring algae as a supplementary feedstock to combine with waste oils: this pushes its
lipid (fat) content to increase the production capacity of biodiesels.

By-Products and their Market

Glycerol is generated as a by-product of biodiesel production. It has a growing market in the pharmaceutical,
cosmetics, and food manufacturing industry, and its commercialization adds a valuable revenue stream for
biodiesel producers, which enhances the economic viability of the biofuel. Apart from glycerol, biodiesel
production also generates small amounts of solid residues that can be repurposed as biofertilizers and animal
feed, contributing to a circular economy.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

Biodiesel from waste animal fats or vegetable oils continues to make headlines, particularly in the context of
sustainability and waste management. Innovations to increase production efficiency, government initiatives
encouraging the use of biodiesel to fight climate change, and developments in waste oil collection technologies
are some of the recent news highlights. Furthermore, biodiesel has a generally favorable public reputation since
it is frequently viewed as a workable waste management solution and a step toward lowering reliance on fossil
fuels.

Conclusion

Biodiesel derived from waste animal fats and vegetable oils offers significant environmental and economic
advantages. Its ability to recycle waste materials into high-value fuel, coupled with its lower GHG emissions and
favorable energy yield, positions it as a key player in the renewable energy sector. Additional benefits, like its
biodegradability and marketable by-products further enhance its appeal. However, challenges like feedstock
availability and the scaling of production must be addressed through technological innovation and supportive
policies that realize the global potential of biodiesels.
References

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