In part 5 of Agrihub’s 6-part video series, Host Dan Cloutier, Director of Regenerative Agriculture, explores The Intelligent Response of Biodiesel. In the context of regenerative agriculture, biodiesel can play a role in reducing the carbon footprint of farming operations by reducing the number of fossil fuels used in machinery and transportation. Additionally, the use of biodiesel can support the production of crops that are grown specifically for biofuel production, which can help to diversify farm income and promote more sustainable land use practices.
Biodiesel is a type of fuel made from renewable, biological sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and even used cooking oil. Biodiesel is a “green fuel” because it reduces emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and has a higher cetane number than conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel can also be produced domestically, reducing dependence on foreign oil, and it can also be used in blends with traditional diesel fuel to reduce emissions. This fuel can be derived from a variety of feedstocks, including soybeans, canola, palm oil, and even algae.
The process of biodiesel production is called transesterification, where the oil or fat reacts with an alcohol like methanol or ethanol, and a catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl or ethyl esters, which are the compounds that make up biodiesel. The process results in the production of glycerol, which can be further processed or used as a byproduct. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modifications and can mix with traditional diesel fuel.
Here are the key topics covered in part 5
- The process of producing biodiesel 0:14
- Biodiesel economics 4:44
- What is happening regarding diesel 6:22
- Biodiesel ranch operation 8:38
- Feedstock tree 13:10
- Algae greenhouse 14:54
This post is sponsored by Agro Resilience Kit (ARK Ltd). Agro Resilience Kit (ARK Ltd) supports entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities with sustainable food & energy production systems. By closing the loop and leveraging agile frameworks, the company helps businesses grow organically and cultivate a consumer-first mindset. Offering a variety of solutions from Aquaponics systems to Concentrated Solar Boilers, ARK has a track record of successful projects putting forward sustainable practices. Find out more here.
Image provided by Swansea University
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