In addition to the growing concerns regarding the increased consumption
of oil products, natural gas and coal to generate all of
the energy required primarily by the industrial and transportation
sectors, additional concerns have arisen with respect to environmental
issues, which has resulted in the creation of stricter laws
worldwide. The increase in CO2 emissions from the burning of oil
and coal is currently the major international concern because it
allegedly contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect. In this
sense, the search for alternative sources of renewable energy with
minimum emissions is necessary
Biodiesel is produced from the process of transesterification of
triglycerides (vegetable oils or fats) and has been used in several
countries in its pure form or mixed with petroleum diesel. The
major disadvantage of this process is related to the production of
large amounts of glycerol, which has significantly impacted the
market of this product. If this process is effectively implemented
in large countries, such as Brazil, the United States and China, or
in economic regions, such as the European Community, the supply
of glycerol will be so high that experts predict that there will be a
collapse in the market for this product.