Biodiesel: The fuel of future

Abstract

The manufacturing of biodiesel has seen some major advances in recent years that attempt to improve environmental performance, sustainability, and efficiency. The research of non-food sources like algae, jatropha, and waste oils has been encouraged by a significant trend called feedstock diversification. Enzymatic and supercritical fluid transesterification are two advanced manufacturing techniques that have showed promise in increasing conversion rates and processing a larger variety of feedstocks. Demand has increased and production has been encouraged by regulatory and blending programmes, such as mandating biodiesel use and blending biodiesel with petroleum fuel. The emphasis now is on sustainability and carbon reduction, with certification programmes ensuring compliance with social and environmental standards.