Biodiesel Production Potential from Oilseed Crops in Serbia

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the potential for biodiesel production from oilseed crops in Serbia, using a novel assessment method. The method involves calculating the arable land area that can be utilized for raw material production for the biodiesel industry. The available land for the production of biodiesel feedstocks is determined by subtracting the land required to meet the food needs of the domestic population and livestock from the maximum oilseed production area, which is defined as 20% of the total arable land area in Serbia. The findings reveal that approximately 353,000 hectares of land are available for producing raw materials for biodiesel production without compromising the domestic food supply. This land can provide enough raw materials to produce up to 324,000 tonnes of biodiesel annually, equivalent to 15.2% of the total domestic diesel fuel consumption for transportation in 2021.