Neyda C. Om Tapanes

Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Analysis of Biodiesel Production: Perception of Land Use, Climate Change, and Sustainability Measurements

Motivation of this study is the strategic importance of bioenergy and biofuels for sustainable development of the global economy. Brazilian Bioenergy Program has enabled the consolidation of Brazil within the leading countries in the production of energy and renewable fuels. Within this program, biodiesel occupies a prominent position, influenced by significant technological, economic, environmental, and social advantages. This chapter covers issues like the life cycle analysis for the biodiesel production, allowing the mapping of resources, impacts of this economic activity, and the premises of sustainability. It also provides market information by analyzing the demand—production relationship, prices, and product quality supervision. Finally, it presents technical and economic parameters of the main technological routes of biodiesel production in Brazil (hydroesterification and transesterification) using current data and allowing the growing demand for new approaches and technological advances.