Brassica biodiesels: Past, present and future

M.F. Milazzo, F. Spina, A. Vinci, C. Espro and J.C.J. Bart

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2013, vol. 18, issue C, 350-389

Abstract: Essential sustainability requirements for biodiesel are that the product should be truly renewable and have a lower negative environmental impact than fossil fuels based on the latest insights. Biodiesel is not a most sustainable product in all geographical circumstances. This survey paper reviews the performance and prospects of rape biodiesel production on a global basis using some 40 life cycle assessments (LCAs). The paper identifies best (agricultural) practice and laggards. Life cycle energy balance depends on specific climatic conditions, and the agro- and processing technologies used. Alternative oilcrop cultivation practices and technologies were assessed. Opportunities to improve rape biodiesel life cycle energy efficiency and environmental impact by implementing new technologies in agriculture as well as in industrial processing have been identified for various Brassica oilcrop cultivars in relevant production areas. The consequences of large-scale renewable energy action plans have been considered. Improvements are needed for rape biodiesel to stay in business. The paper concludes with perspectives and recommendations.

Keywords: Rape methyl ester (RME); Biodiesel; Life cycle assessment (LCA); Global status; Future perspectives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032112005345
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:rensus:v:18:y:2013:i:c:p:350-389

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/bibliographic
http://www.elsevier. ... 600126/bibliographic

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2012.09.033

Access Statistics for this article

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is currently edited by L. Kazmerski

More articles in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().