1. Introduction
Due to the increase in the price of petroleum crude and products
and environmental concerns about air pollution caused by
the combustion of fossil fuels, the search for alternative fuels has
gained importance. Biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) derived
from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats with
methanol are potential substitutes for petroleum-based diesel
fuels. Compared with conventional diesel, biodiesel has the advantages
of being biodegradable, renewable, non-toxic, and have low
pollutant emissions (especially SOx) [1]. India imported about
2/3rd of its petroleum requirement last year, which involved a cost
of approximately Rs. 80,000 crores in foreign exchange. Even 5%
replacement of petroleum fuel by bio-fuel can help India and save
Rs. 4000 crores per year in foreign exchange. It is utmost important
that the options for substitution of petroleum fuels be explored to
control this import bill. The degrading air quality, mainly in urban
areas, further warrants the quest for alternate clean fuels. With the
stock of fossil fuels diminishing throughout the world and demand
for energy based comforts and mobility ever increasing, time is
ripe that we strike a balance between energy security and energy
usage. Several sources of energy, especially for driving the automotives
are being developed and tested [2]. The main commodity
sources for Biodiesel in India can be non-edible oils obtained from
plant species such as Jatropha curcas(Ratanjyot), Pongamia pinnata