Constraints and opportunities for biodiesel from rapeseed

Transport is responsible for increasing pollution, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. In EU countries interest in alternative types of fuel, such as biofuels, is rising, also thanks to the Kyoto Protocol and consequent European legislation, such as Directive 2003/30/EC. Notwithstanding the efforts to attain the goals of this directive, in 2005 the target of 2%, has not been achieved. The authors of this paper will focus on biodiesel made from rapeseed oil, one of the most widespread European oil crops. The nature of this biofuel will be examined from an environmental point of view, in terms of its production chain and uses, as well as from a socio-economic point of a view. This will allow us to identify, from qualitative and quantitative perspectives, the material and energy flows of biodiesel production from rapeseed. The different environmental concerns connected with the separate phases of the complete chain, from cultivation of the crop to production and uses of the biodiesel, will be considered. Analysis of the data enables the authors to put forward the limits and potential of this biofuel.