DBFZ studies GHG levels in rapeseed-based biodiesel

In a recent study the German Research Centre for Biomass (DBFZ) has found significant greenhouse gas (GHG) savings in biodiesel derived from rapeseed.

After arriving at a 38% default value for biodiesel produced from rapeseed, the study went on to conclude that the balance of fertiliser and diesel fuel used was the main contributor affecting the overall result of GHG emission levels.

The findings show that GHG emissions went from approximately 29g CO2 equ./MJ biodiesel (default value) to approximately 21g CO2 equ./MJ biodiesel.

In similar news, DBFZ has also concluded that biomethanol is a poor contributor to improving the GHG balance of biodiesel, following a study conducted for UFOP.

The study looked at the advantages and disadvantages of using biomethanol in the production of biodiesel instead of fossil-based methanol.

DBFZ found that the use of biomethanol over natural gas-based methanol reduced GHGs by just 2-3% of the total emissions released during biodiesel production.

In a recent press release UFOP stated: ‘To the regret of UFOP these results show that biomethanol for the esterification of vegetable oil to biodiesel helps save GHG emissions only under certain conditions. Looking at the present price levels, this makes the use of biomethanol for fossil methanol meaningful only if the general statutory framework is such that GHG emissions from fuels have a stronger effect on the price of biofuel.’