Korean researchers find biodiesel’s green credentials vary significantly
In South Korea, researchers from Chonnam National University, South Korea have found that the environmental impact of biodiesel varies dramatically depending on its feedstock and production pathway. Using a life-cycle assessment of five biodiesel feedstocks, the study published in Applied Energy, shows why climate emissions and air pollution both need to be considered when evaluating biofuel sustainability.
Key findings:
· Waste-derived feedstocks consistently produced lower greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based oils.
· Used cooking oil and beef tallow showed the greatest potential for emissions reduction.
· With renewable energy inputs, waste-derived pathways could achieve net-negative emissions, with reductions of up to 352%.
· Carinata oil had the lowest GHG emissions among plant-based options but produced the highest VOC and CO emissions.
· Plant-based pathways showed greater uncertainty in their emissions compared with waste-derived alternatives.
Researchers argue that biodiesel policies should be feedstock- and region-specific, rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.
The findings offer policymakers and fuel producers a more comprehensive way to assess biodiesel—looking beyond carbon emissions to also consider air pollution, energy use, and local resources.
Category: Research
