Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from vegetable oils. In chemical terms, biodiesel is the methyl or ethyl ester of oil derived from plants. It is believed that during photosynthesis, solar energy is converted into chemical energy. This stored chemical energy is the primary source of power in biodiesel.
Biodiesel is produced around the world from various types of plants. Usually, sunflowers, coconut, sugar beet, sugarcane, palm, soybean, and similar plants are widely used sources for biodiesel production. These plants are known as “Energy Crops.” Recent research in our country has shown that biodiesel can be made from the fruit of the ‘Jatropha’ plant. Locally, this ‘Jatropha’ plant is more commonly known as ‘Jamalgotta.’ Apart from vegetable oils, biodiesel is also sometimes produced from animal fats.
Generally, biodiesel is blended with conventional petroleum diesel for use. To run 100% biodiesel in engines, some engine modifications are required. Otherwise, engine problems may occur. Additionally, engine performance is not very good when using 100% biodiesel in winter. Therefore, it is important to consult with engine manufacturers and experts before using biodiesel.
There are many benefits to using biodiesel. These are:
1. Low production cost
2. Simple production process
3. Low price
4. Environmentally friendly
5. Non-toxic
6. Does not harm the engine
7. Usually, engines require little to no modification to use biodiesel
8. Raw materials for biodiesel production are readily available
9. Glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, can be used in the soap industry
10. Biodiesel plants can be set up at low cost
11. Biodiesel has a flash point of 150 degrees Celsius, which is much higher than petroleum diesel (77°C). As a result, transporting biodiesel is much easier than petroleum diesel. Note: The flash point of a fuel is the temperature at which it ignites.
Of all the alternative fuels discovered so far, biodiesel is the most environmentally friendly. As an alternative fuel, biodiesel has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a global leader in pollution prevention. The EPA has stated that biodiesel will be a blessing for both the environment and humanity. Let’s take a quick look at how biodiesel benefits the environment:
>> Biodiesel reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 50% and carbon dioxide emissions by 78%.
>> Biodiesel contains significantly fewer toxic aromatic hydrocarbons.
>> The sulfur content in biodiesel is very low.
>> Using biodiesel in engine-driven boats will greatly reduce water pollution.
Recently, there has been discussion about biodiesel in Bangladesh as well. It is reported that research is underway at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and several other universities. However, nothing significant has come out yet. After a few seminars, interest in biodiesel seems to have dwindled, much like other topics. Nevertheless, ‘Energy Crops’ like Jatropha could be cultivated on the fallow land along railways or roadsides in our country.
Everything has its downsides. Alongside the potential of biodiesel, its negative aspects have also become a topic of considerable discussion and debate recently. This debate intensified following a recent agreement between the world’s top biofuel producer Brazil and the United States. Many countries around the world are already struggling to keep up with the growing population and food production demands. So, it remains to be seen how much water will be available for growing Energy Crops to produce biodiesel…
[Image source: Internet]
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