General assessment of the currently available biodiesel production technologies

Abstract

With the predicted depletion of crude oil reservoirs in the next decades as well the need for developing renewable energy and sustainable production processes, low-carbon technologies will have a crucial role in securing energy supplies for future generations and offsetting the environmental impact of fossil fuels production and use.In this scenario, biodiesel offers well known advantages over petrodiesel because it is an environmental friendly fuel whose fuel properties are attractive and its overall emission profile of greenhouse gases and sulfur is low.This work provides a broad overview about biodiesel production technologies after more than two decades of intensive R&D, highlighting the main aspects related to feedstock availability, conversion techniques, and process economics.In the vanguard of biodiesel production technologies are the advent of novel reactor concepts, the use of process intensification, and the development of novel catalytic systems.These technologies, combined with alternatives feedstocks such as algae, non-edible vegetable oils, industrial soapstocks, and waste oils and greases, are likely to pave the road for the establishment of more environmental friendly and economically affordable processes.