Techno-Economic Analysis of Different Routes to Produce Biodiesel

The present research involves the selection of suitable edible and non-edible feedstocks for the production of biodiesel in Pakistan. After studying and analyzing different feedstocks: Jatropha, Neem and waste cooking oil is selected due to their availability and low free fatty acid contents which is almost less than 30%, for techno-economic analysis. The transesterification process is applied for the conversion of these edible and non-edible feedstocks into biodiesel. Three projects have been chosen in which 1000L biodiesel can be generated. According to data obtained from different resources, the initial investment of Neem, Jatropha and waste cooking oil projects are $14,183, $13,883, and $12,183. After calculating the initial project investment, different capital investment techniques are calculated such as internal rate of return, profitability index and payback period. Feasibility analysis is done that shows, which project, should be adopted according to prevailing circumstances. The project with a short payback period is chosen for investment. Therefore, by doing techno-economic analysis of these three oils for the production of biodiesel and after that compare it with the petrol-diesel, one can enhance the research capability and productivity of biodiesel in Pakistan.