K. Y. Simon Ng1, Steven O. Salley, John Wilson2, Haiying Tang1, Shuli Yan, Nadia J. Abunasser3, and Manhoe Kim4. (1) Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., Detroit, MI 48202, (2) National Biofuel Energy Laboratory, NextEnergy, 461 Burroughs ST, Detroit, MI 48202, (3) Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, 461 Burroughs, Detroit, MI 48202, (4) National Biofuel Energy Laboratory, NextEnergy, USA, 461 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI 48202
Biodiesel is experiencing the growing pain as a sustainable biofuel. The “fuel vs. food” debate has an unfavorable impact on the biodiesel industry, since majority of biodiesel is produced using refined vegetable oil. In fact, the cost of soybean oil has increased significantly in the past year. This presentation will examine a number of technical, societal, and economic challenges facing the biodiesel industry. Opportunities to develop a truly sustainable and renewable diesel will be discussed.