Renewable biodiesel production from used cooking oil: pathway towards carbon neutral fuel in alignment with Punjab government policy 2018

The production of biodiesel, a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions. However, the biodiesel production process encounters challenges particularly the evaporation of methanol after biodiesel production leads to significant environmental impacts. In addition to the environmental degradation the presence of methanol in biodiesel has adverse effects on the fuel filter for use in engines. This study summarizes the recovery of methanol from the biodiesel production process for its reuse to reduce the global warming potential over the life cycle. The study used transesterification reaction followed by the recovery of methanol in a specially designed methanol recovery chamber, its chemical analysis to ensure the quality of methanol captured an environmental impact assessment for comparison. It was recorded that with the recovery of 35% methanol will not only reduce the cost but also reduce the GHG emission by 19%. In alignment with the Punjab government policy 2018 this work contributes to cleaner biodiesel production by utilizing waste cooking oil as feedstock. Furthermore, the implementation of such recovery methods will enhance overall efficiency and lead to sustainable waste management practices to minimize the environmental impact, contributing towards net zero.