Full chain energy analysis of biodiesel production from palm oil in Thailand
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Author list: Pleanjai S., Gheewala S.H.
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication year: 2009
Journal: Applied Energy (0306-2619)
Volume number: 86
Issue number: SUPPL. 1
Start page: S209
End page: S214
ISSN: 0306-2619
eISSN: 1872-9118
Languages: English-Great Britain (EN-GB)
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Abstract
Biodiesel from palm oil has been considered for partial substitution of diesel fuel for transportation in Thailand. The Thai government recently has set up a production target of 8.5 million liters per day of palm oil-based biodiesel by 2011. The aim of this study is to investigate the energy consumption of palm methyl ester (PME) production in Thailand using a life cycle approach compared to other possible oil crops for biodiesel production including jatropha and coconut. The main contributors to the energy use are cultivation, oil production, transesterification and transportation. Taking into account only fossil fuel or petroleum inputs in the production cycle, the energy analysis provides results in favour of PME in Thailand. The net energy balance (NEB) and net energy ratio (NER) of PME and co-products are 100.84 GJ/ha and 3.58, respectively. The NER of PME without co-products is 2.42, which is still higher than one indicating a favourable result. The results are important in selecting an appropriate feedstock for biodiesel production and this study will support policy makers in the energy sector to make informed decisions vis-เ-vis promotion of oil palm plantation for biodiesel. This will also support the Thai government in its policy to promote the use of indigenous and renewable sources for transportation fuels. ฉ 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Net energy balance, Net energy ratio, Palm methyl ester
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