Economic feasibility of non-edible oils as biodiesel feedstock: A brief review

Continuous usage of rapidly depleting natural fossil fuel reserves and increased emissions of carbon in atmosphere has prompted increased research efforts on sustainable and renewable energy resources as alternative to fossil fuels. Feedstocks have undergone some drastic changes since the early attempts at biofuels production. Till today, global scientific researchers are focusing on exploration of sustainable feedstocks having desired physiochemical characteristics and percentage yield of fatty oils. The balance between food and biofuels demand is what keeps the relatively simple process of growing feedstocks and producing biofuels from being substantially cheaper than fossil fuels. Therefore, present review is an attempt to briefly compile four different non-edible seed crops (Jatropha curcas L., Pongamia pinnata L., Ricinus communis L. and Azadirachta indica) having maximum potential to produce biodiesel along with their growing conditions and areas of maximum growth. Some economic aspects and statistical data about its environmental impacts is also provided indicating its utilization, importance and per barrel cost in different countries all over the world.