Non-edible Vegetable Oils: A Viable Alternative for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Recently, non-edible oil sources have become a priority as feedstocks for biodiesel production. Some promising non-edible plant seeds in Indonesia for biodiesel production are kepuh (Sterculia foetida), castor (Ricinus communis L.), kapok (Ceiba pentandra), and tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum). These seeds have several advantages, such as not being used for human consumption, the ability to grow on degraded land, and rapid growth in various locations. Additionally, biodiesel made from these plant seeds can be of a higher quality, compatible with fossil fuels, and help reduce emissions from the energy sector. This can also support renewable energy initiatives and preserve forest ecosystems. This chapter addresses the topic of non-edible plant seed feedstocks and their processing into biodiesel, focusing specifically on kepuh, castor, kapok, and tamanu seeds. Implementing the biodiesel development program from these seeds involves calculating and testing the optimal production capacity at the bench scale. This process involves three steps: (1) determining the minimum economically viable production capacity, (2) testing operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, and conversion at the minimum capacity, and (3) preparing a feasibility study for a pilot plant producing premium-grade biodiesel.