biogas score Biodiesel($) score Source soap score

Cost 3$ 3 2.4Qar 4 Research 0.3$ 4

$0.6
1.3-1.6 Process
(brazil)
0.8-1.36 ScienceDirect
(mexico)
0.6(China) below
Design 2 4 4

Social 4 5 2
acceptance
Environmental 3 86% less 4 below 4
sustainability than normal
diesal

2021
Sewage Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) are mainly responsible for sewer blockages in many counties
such as the US (50%), Malaysia (70%), and the UK (50%), and the annual cost associated with
removing these sewer blockages in the US is as high as US$25 billion [4]. Europe, over 60%
Mandatory usage On the other hand, EU issued the Renewable Energy Directive, mandating
Member States to fulfill 10% renewable energy use in their transport sector by 2020 [6], and the
biodiesel produced from WCO holds the promise for replacing 1.5% of the EUs' diesel
consumption, contributing to the target achievement.
To obtain 1 ton of biodiesel, about 1.2 ton of WCO is needed, yielding a conversion efficiency of
83%.
The total environmental impacts of conventional diesel are 86% higher than those of WCO-
based biodiesel. Conventional diesel uses three times more resources than WCO-based
biodiesel.

Converting waste cooking oil to biodiesel in China: Environmental impacts and economic feasibility -
ScienceDirect

2013

Cost: 4/5 The study suggests that biodiesel costs are similar to petro-diesel costs if waste
cooking oil (WCO) is obtained for free1. This indicates a high cost-effectiveness for biodiesel
production under certain conditions.
Environmental Sustainability: 5/5 Biodiesel from WCO can reduce CO2 emissions by
1.0%–2.7% of transport petro-diesel emissions2. The primary energy used to produce 1 MJ of
WCO-biodiesel is less than that for petro-diesel, making it more sustainable3.

Design Accessibility: 3/5 The main barrier to mass production of biodiesel from WCO is the
illegal WCO market45. This suggests that while the design for biodiesel production is accessible,
the availability of WCO as a feedstock is a significant challenge.

Potential of biodiesel from waste cooking oil in Mexico - ScienceDirect

2023

Cost Efficiency: The use of waste cooking oil as a raw material for biodiesel production is highlighted as a
way to reduce production costs1. This is because waste cooking oil is a cheaper alternative to other
feedstocks. (Rating: 4/5)

Environmental Sustainability: Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil is presented as an

environmentally friendly solution. It addresses the issue of waste oil disposal and prevents water and soil
pollution, contributing positively to the aquatic ecosystem. (Rating: 5/5)

Design Accessibility: The study discusses the optimization of process parameters for biodiesel production
using two types of catalysts, which suggests that the design is accessible and adaptable to different
production conditions. (Rating: 3/5)

Processes | Free Full-Text | Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using Different Types of
Catalysts (mdpi.com)

Cost-Effectiveness: 4/5 The production of biodiesel from WCO is highlighted as cost-effective due to the
low cost of raw materials1. The use of WCO, which is a waste product, significantly reduces the
production cost compared to using fresh vegetable oil.

Environmental Sustainability: 5/5 The process is eco-friendly, utilizing waste cooking oil to produce
biodiesel, which reduces environmental pollution and contributes to energy conservation2. It also offers
a method for optimum waste management.

Design Accessibility: 3/5 The transesterification process described is simple and uses basic catalysts,
making it accessible. However, the detailed design of the process setup is not provided, which may affect
the ease of replication.

Additional Information: The biodiesel produced exhibits excellent fuel efficiency with higher flash and
fire points than existing diesel fuel. It also significantly reduces the coefficient of friction and specific
wear rate, enhancing its use as a lubricant. This suggests that biodiesel can be a suitable alternative fuel
and lubricant for automotive industries. The study also emphasizes the importance of using green fuels
to address environmental concerns related to climate change.

Waste Cooking (Palm) Oil as an Economical Source of Biodiesel Production for Alternative Green Fuel and
Efficient Lubricant | BioEnergy Research (springer.com)

Cost: The new catalyst material is described as cheap and easy to manufacture, requiring no precious
metals and only needing a large container, some gentle heating, and stirring1. Rating: 5/5
Environmental Sustainability: The method developed allows for recycling used cooking oil and
agricultural waste into biodiesel, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-derived diesel2. This is particularly
important in developing countries and represents a significant step towards environmental sustainability.
Rating: 5/5

Design Accessibility: The catalyst is a porous ceramic sponge designed with specialized active sites within
pores of different sizes, allowing for a sequence of chemical reactions within a single particle3. This
innovative design is accessible and practical for transforming waste into high-value chemical products4.
Rating: 4/5

Additional Information:

The material can handle impurities in raw materials up to 50% contaminants.

It could potentially double the productivity of manufacturing processes for converting waste into
chemical products4.

The research utilized UWA’s magnetic resonance facilities for non-destructive characterization of the
material’s pore structure5.

Making biodiesel from dirty old cooking oil just got easier (uwa.edu.au)

Cost Efficiency: 4/5 Waste cooking oil is a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel production, as it is a waste
product that would otherwise require disposal. The paper suggests that using waste cooking oil can
significantly reduce production costs compared to other feedstocks.

Environmental Sustainability: 5/5 Utilizing waste cooking oil for biodiesel production is highly
sustainable. It not only prevents potential environmental contamination but also contributes to waste
reduction. The paper highlights the environmental benefits of converting waste into valuable fuel. –

Design Accessibility: 3/5 The process design for converting waste cooking oil into biodiesel is accessible
but may require specific adaptations to handle the varying quality of the waste oil. The paper indicates
that while the technology is available, the feedstock's inconsistency can pose challenges.

Additional Information: - Waste cooking oil can contaminate about 20,000 liters of water per liter if
improperly discarded. Its use in biodiesel production adds value to this residue and addresses a
significant environmental issue. - The paper discusses the importance of glycerol purification in the
biodiesel production process, which is a co-product of the transesterification reaction from waste
cooking oil. - It also mentions the need for new applications for glycerol, given the surplus generated by
the biodiesel industry, suggesting an area for further research and development.

Process simulation and economic evaluation of biodiesel production from several feedstocks in Brazil |
Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering (springer.com)
Cost Efficiency: The use of waste cooking oil as feedstock can reduce the cost of biodiesel production by
60-70%1. This significant cost reduction is due to the low-cost availability of waste cooking oil compared
to other feedstocks. Rating: 5/5

Environmental Sustainability: Biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil presents a sustainable option,
as it utilizes waste material that would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution2. It also adheres
to standard biodiesel specifications, ensuring it is a viable eco-friendly fuel alternative. Rating: 4/5

Design Accessibility: The transesterification process for converting waste cooking oil to biodiesel has
been optimized and standardized, making it accessible for implementation3. The study provides a
comprehensive approach, from waste oil collection to biodiesel production, ensuring the process is user-
friendly. Rating: 4/5

Additional Information:

The highest yield of biodiesel was 93.8% obtained by optimizing the process.

B10 blend (10% biodiesel and 90% diesel) showed the best results for lower NOx and CO emissions,
making it an environmentally friendly option for diesel engines.

Biodiesel production using waste cooking oil: a waste to energy conversion strategy | Clean Technologies
and Environmental Policy (springer.com)

BIOGAS
Cost: The production costs for biogas range from USD 2/MBtu to USD 20/MBtu, with variations across
regions. For biomethane, the average cost of production through biogas upgrading is around USD
19/MBtu. The cost of biomass gasification is higher, averaging USD 25/MBtu globally. By 2040, the
average cost of producing biomethane is projected to decrease by about 25%. Rating: 3/5

Environmental Sustainability: The report defines sustainable feedstocks as those that do not compete
with food for agricultural land and have no adverse impacts on biodiversity. It includes only the technical
potential of feedstock that can be considered sustainable, such as crop residues and animal manure.
Rating: 4/5

Design Accessibility: Technologies for biogas production and upgrading are relatively mature, with
limited prospects for major cost reductions. However, there is potential for economies of scale in larger
facilities. The report also notes the importance of policy support and capital costs as barriers to the
development of biomethane in developing countries. Rating: 3/5

Additional important information:

The potential for biogas production today is nearly 600 Mtoe, with developing economies accounting for
two-thirds of this potential.

The potential for biomethane production today is over 700 Mtoe.

By 2040, over 260 Mtoe of biogas could be produced for less than regional natural gas prices in some
areas.

The global biomethane potential is estimated to increase by more than 40% by 2040 compared to today.

Sustainable supply potential and costs – Outlook for biogas and biomethane: Prospects for organic
growth – Analysis - IEA

Cost (Rating: 3/5): The production of biogas from WCO is economically competitive, especially when
compared to the use of dedicated crops. However, the economic convenience varies and can be
influenced by factors such as the technology used and market conditions.

Environmental Sustainability (Rating: 4/5): Utilizing WCO for biogas production is environmentally
sustainable as it recycles waste and reduces the pollutant load. It also avoids the negative environmental
impact of disposing of WCO in landfills or water bodies.

Design Accessibility (Rating: 2/5): The technology for biogas production from WCO faces challenges
related to the digestion of fats, such as the accumulation of long-chain fatty acids. Solutions include
pretreatment of raw materials and co-digestion with other feedstocks to improve digestion1.

Additional Information:

Global Potential: Approximately 64 million tons of WCO are expected to be available worldwide annually,
with Europe alone potentially collecting 4 million tons2.

Biogas Yield: The theoretical methane production per gram of lipid is 1014 mL, which is significantly
higher than the yield for carbohydrates and proteins3.

Process Factors: Key factors for successful digestion include lipid concentration, pH, temperature, and
agitation4.

Technological Solutions: Reactor designs suitable for lipid digestion are being examined to overcome
biological and engineering limits5.

Conversion of waste cooking oil into biogas: perspectives and limits | Applied Microbiology and
Biotechnology (springer.com)

253_2020_10431_Article 2833..2856 (springer.com)

Cost Efficiency: The production of biogas from WCO is considered economically competitive. It is more
sustainable and cost-effective than using dedicated crops for biomass production. Rating: 4/5

Environmental Sustainability: Utilizing WCO for biogas production is environmentally beneficial. It

prevents the pollutant load of WCO from harming aquatic ecosystems and reduces the need for
dedicated crop resources, thus supporting a circular economy. Rating: 5/5
Design Accessibility: The technology for biogas production from WCO is still developing. Solutions to
overcome biological and engineering limits are being identified, such as pretreatment of raw materials
and co-digestion with other feedstocks. Rating: 3/5

Additionally, it’s important to note that the global consumption of vegetable oil is around 200 million
tons, with an estimated 32% becoming waste1. This translates to a potential availability of 64 million
tons of WCO worldwide for biogas production. In Europe alone, the potential for annual WCO collection
could be 4 million tons2.

Conversion of waste cooking oil into biogas: perspectives and limits | Applied Microbiology and
Biotechnology (springer.com)

SOAP
Cost-Effectiveness: Using WCO as a material for soap production is likely to be cost-effective since it is
typically cheaper than other oils. This could be rated around 4 out of 5 considering the reduced raw
material costs.

Environmental Sustainability: The process is environmentally friendly as it recycles waste cooking oil,
preventing environmental pollution and contributing to waste reduction. This could be rated 5 out of 5
for sustainability.

Design Accessibility: The study provides detailed optimal conditions for the soap production process,
which suggests that the design is accessible and can be replicated. This could be rated 4 out of 5 for
accessibility.

Additionally, the study mentions:

Optimal Conditions: The best saponification conditions include a mass ratio of NaOH to WCO of 0.3:1, a
saponification temperature of 100°C, and a NaOH concentration of 30%1.

Decoloring Agent: Activated clay is the most favorable decoloring agent, with a WCO to activated clay
ratio of 100:5 at 70°C for 30 minutes being optimal for treatment2.

(PDF) Product Soap from Waste Cooking Oil (researchgate.net)