112
C. Li et al.
(2) Status quo of international biodiesel development
The US and some European and Asian countries or regions have established commercial production bases of biodiesel, and have adopted biodiesel as a widely used
alternative fuel [1, 2].
Europe takes the lead with the widest application of biodiesel. Its major raw
material is rapeseed. European Parliament exempted 90% of the biodiesel tax. Many
European countries enacted laws to support alternative fuels. Preferential tax and
subsidy for rapeseed production also contribute to the fast-growing biodiesel industry.
In 2003, the total biodiesel output of European countries exceeded 1.76 million tons.
It is estimated that the number will reach 8.3 million tons in 2010. Biodiesel is
the most widely used in Germany, with 1.1 million tons of biodiesel produced and
consumed. This represents 1/3 of the world’s total 3.5 million tons.
The US is the first country to have researched into biodiesel. There have been
various biodiesel manufacturers and suppliers in the US. They mainly use soybean
oil as raw material with an annual biodiesel output exceeding 300 thousand tons.
Additionally, the US imposes zero tax on biodiesel.
The US is also exploring other ways to produce biodiesel. The National Renewable
Energy Laboratory has engineered microalgae using modern biological technology.
In lab conditions, its fat content can reach 40–60%. For every acre, the expected
output of biodiesel produced from these microalgae is 6400–16,000 L. This paves a
new path for the development of biodiesel. By April 2005, there were 60 biodiesel
production factories (including those under construction). Its plan is to produce 1.15
million tons of biodiesel in 2011 and 3.3 million tons in 2016.
Pure biodiesel has been officially named in the Energy Policy Act as an alternative
vehicle fuel [3]. The pure biodiesel prices in the US vary according to the raw
materials and manufacturers, ranging from 0.515 to 0.793 USD/L; mixed biodiesel
(80% biodiesel) is 7.93–10.57 cents more expensive than traditional diesel.
Japan mainly uses frying oil to produce biodiesel, with an annual output capacity
of 400 thousand tons. Brazil uses castor oil as the main raw material to produce
biodiesel, which is in the promotion and experimental stage.
Many countries have invested heavily in biodiesel development and biodiesel
industry [2–5]. Significant progress has been made, as presented in Table 4.1.
4.2 Prospects of Biodiesel Application
Energy is the cornerstone of the national economy and foundation for human survival.
Energy safety, including the safety of energy supply (petroleum, natural gas, and
electricity) and treatment of environmental pollution caused by energy production
and utilization, is an important aspect of national economic safety. It has a direct
impact on national security, sustainable development, and social stability [6]. With the
growing economy, China’s energy demand relies more on the international market.
Today, in the context of the global energy safety issue, China’s energy safety problem
C. Li et al.
(2) Status quo of international biodiesel development
The US and some European and Asian countries or regions have established commercial production bases of biodiesel, and have adopted biodiesel as a widely used
alternative fuel [1, 2].
Europe takes the lead with the widest application of biodiesel. Its major raw
material is rapeseed. European Parliament exempted 90% of the biodiesel tax. Many
European countries enacted laws to support alternative fuels. Preferential tax and
subsidy for rapeseed production also contribute to the fast-growing biodiesel industry.
In 2003, the total biodiesel output of European countries exceeded 1.76 million tons.
It is estimated that the number will reach 8.3 million tons in 2010. Biodiesel is
the most widely used in Germany, with 1.1 million tons of biodiesel produced and
consumed. This represents 1/3 of the world’s total 3.5 million tons.
The US is the first country to have researched into biodiesel. There have been
various biodiesel manufacturers and suppliers in the US. They mainly use soybean
oil as raw material with an annual biodiesel output exceeding 300 thousand tons.
Additionally, the US imposes zero tax on biodiesel.
The US is also exploring other ways to produce biodiesel. The National Renewable
Energy Laboratory has engineered microalgae using modern biological technology.
In lab conditions, its fat content can reach 40–60%. For every acre, the expected
output of biodiesel produced from these microalgae is 6400–16,000 L. This paves a
new path for the development of biodiesel. By April 2005, there were 60 biodiesel
production factories (including those under construction). Its plan is to produce 1.15
million tons of biodiesel in 2011 and 3.3 million tons in 2016.
Pure biodiesel has been officially named in the Energy Policy Act as an alternative
vehicle fuel [3]. The pure biodiesel prices in the US vary according to the raw
materials and manufacturers, ranging from 0.515 to 0.793 USD/L; mixed biodiesel
(80% biodiesel) is 7.93–10.57 cents more expensive than traditional diesel.
Japan mainly uses frying oil to produce biodiesel, with an annual output capacity
of 400 thousand tons. Brazil uses castor oil as the main raw material to produce
biodiesel, which is in the promotion and experimental stage.
Many countries have invested heavily in biodiesel development and biodiesel
industry [2–5]. Significant progress has been made, as presented in Table 4.1.
4.2 Prospects of Biodiesel Application
Energy is the cornerstone of the national economy and foundation for human survival.
Energy safety, including the safety of energy supply (petroleum, natural gas, and
electricity) and treatment of environmental pollution caused by energy production
and utilization, is an important aspect of national economic safety. It has a direct
impact on national security, sustainable development, and social stability [6]. With the
growing economy, China’s energy demand relies more on the international market.
Today, in the context of the global energy safety issue, China’s energy safety problem