2008 Annual Meeting

(394h) The Future of Biodiesel as a Viable Alternative Fuel: Challenges and Opportunities

Authors

K. Y. Simon Ng - Presenter, Wayne State University
Steven O. Salley, Wayne State University
John Wilson, NextEnergy
Haiying Tang, Wayne State University
Shuli Yan, Wayne State University
Nadia J. Abunasser, Wayne State University
Manhoe Kim, NextCat Inc
Biodiesel is experiencing the growing pain as a sustainable biofuel. The “fuel vs. food” debate has an unfavorable impact on the biodiesel industry, since majority of biodiesel is produced using refined vegetable oil. In fact, the cost of soybean oil has increased significantly in the past year. This presentation will examine a number of technical, societal, and economic challenges facing the biodiesel industry. Opportunities to develop a truly sustainable and renewable diesel will be discussed.