Potential Biodiesel Production from Palm Oil for Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review and evaluate aspects on Thailand’s energy situation, oil palm plantation, properties of palm oil, conversion process to biodiesel, suitably available lands, biodiesel quality, environmental impacts, engine test performance and benefits of the country from using biodiesel.nThe results show that if 20% of diesel production from the amount of imported crude oil in 2000, was compensated by this biodiesel production, it would reduce imported crude as estimated value as Bt 13,436 million. To avoid conflict with feedstock for food production, plantation areas of at least 4.4 million rais in 12.9 million rais (1 rai = 0.16 ha) of suitably available lands will be required. Oil Palm is quantitatively the highest commercially potential production among the existing Thailand’s major oil crops. Transesterification can provide chemical transformation of crude palm oil (CPO) and crude palm kernel oil (CPK) to biodiesel. The product of this process has been acceptable as diesel fuel substitute. Environmental impacts from biodiesel utilization show positive results compared to diesel fuel No. 2 (DF2). Biodiesel is acceptable as alternative diesel fuel with no significant problems found in both direct and indirect injections. Conclusively, the results of this review and evaluation show high potential biodiesel production from palmoil for Thailand.