Soybean oil is considered good for biodiesel production primarily because it offers environmental benefits like zero Sulphur oxide emissions and is a renewable, relatively low-cost source of oil.
Soybean oil is a popular feedstock for creating biodiesel, a renewable alternative fuel. Several factors contribute to its suitability for this purpose:
- Reduced Emissions: A significant advantage of soybean oil biodiesel is its clean combustion profile. As highlighted in reference [17], soybean oil biodiesel produces no Sulphur oxides. Sulphur oxides are major air pollutants that contribute to acid rain and respiratory issues. Their absence makes soybean biodiesel a safer and greener alternative to traditional diesel fuels.
- Renewability: Soybeans are a crop that can be grown repeatedly, making soybean oil a renewable resource. This contrasts with fossil fuels, which are finite. Utilizing a renewable source like soya helps reduce reliance on depleting resources and contributes to a more sustainable energy future.
- Availability and Cost-Effectiveness: Soya has seen increasing popularity partly due to its ability to generate low-cost and low-grade oil [17]. While "low-grade" might sound negative, for industrial processes like biodiesel production, readily available and cost-effective oil is highly desirable, as the refining process converts it into usable fuel regardless of its initial grade. The widespread cultivation of soybeans contributes to its availability and competitive pricing as a biodiesel feedstock.
In summary, the combination of environmental benefits (zero Sulphur oxide emissions), renewability, and economic factors (availability and cost) makes soybean oil a viable and increasingly popular option for producing biodiesel.
