Biodiesel, produced from various vegetable and/or animal oils, is one of the most promising alternative
fuels for transportation in Thailand. Currently, the waste oils after use in cooking are not disposed
adequately. Such oils could serve as a feedstock for biodiesel which would also address the waste
disposal issue. This study compares the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from used cooking oil
methyl ester (UCOME) and conventional diesel used in transport. The functional unit (FU) is 100 km
transportation by light duty diesel vehicle (LDDV) under identical driving conditions. Life cycle GHG emissions
from conventional diesel are about 32.57 kg CO2-eq/FU whereas those from UCOME are 2.35 kg
CO2-eq/FU. The GHG emissions from the life cycle of UCOME are 93% less than those of conventional
diesel production and use. Hence, a fuel switch from conventional diesel to UCOME will contribute
greatly to a reduction in global warming potential. This will also support the Thai Government’s policy to
promote the use of indigenous and renewable sources for transportation fuels.
2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.