Green energy initiative: An overview of biodiesel production from jatropha feedstock in Nigeria

Abstract

Increase in global development of renewable energy sources as sustainable alternatives to the conventional fossil fuels witnessed in recent time is linked to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; high dependency on imported fossil oil especially in the developed world; non-renewable nature of fossil fuels; price volatility of petroleum products and instability in the oil producing areas. Therefore, bioenergy appears to offer hope for addressing these concerns while also providing new opportunities for farmers in developing and developed countries alike. Among the many possible resources, biodiesel has received the most attention as a promising substitute for conventional petrol-diesel fuel. The production of biodiesel (methyl esters) from Jatropha plant is currently generating interest in every economy of the world as an alternative means of producing liquid fuels from biomass and have gather relevance due to the environmental advantage the process offers. Biodiesel is a renewable source of energy that can facilitate clean air, readily usable in existing engines and transport facilities, capable of generating employment and income for citizens but has not been fully tapped. Hence, efforts are being made to explore this economically competitive, environmentally acceptable and readily available alternative source of energy. Therefore, the paper provides a review of Jatropha as a feedstock for biodiesel production in Nigeria. Focusing on biodiesel development from Jatropha feedstock, the objectives of reviewing its current trends in the production of this biofuel will hold an immense benefit. The biodiesel fuel properties and potential of Jatropha towards environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, and more importantly improve economic development for rural communities were highlighted.