Volume 45: Energy Transitions toward Carbon Neutrality: Part VIII

Feasibility and Environmental Considerations of Biodiesel Production from Waste Falafel Oil in Jordan Mustafa Jaradat, Dana Kurik, Rama Alghzawi, Shatha Alkhrewesh

Abstract

This paper addresses the environmental and sustainability challenges stemming from the improper disposal of used cooking oils in popular Middle Eastern cuisines, particularly falafel. With an estimated annual waste oil production of 54 million liters from approximately 20,000 restaurants in Jordan, a multifaceted methodology is employed to convert burned falafel oil into biodiesel. The approach integrates survey data, laboratory analysis, the design of a biodiesel converter, and a feasibility study to assess the viability of this waste-to-energy initiative. Laboratory results confirm the successful transesterification process, yielding biodiesel with superior combustion properties compared to regular cooking oil, meeting standard biodiesel density criteria. The feasibility study unveils an estimated annual revenue of $54.98 million USD from selling biodiesel, with catalyst costs (methanol and KOH) amounting to $8,013,600 USD, suggesting a positive economic outlook. Beyond economic viability, this initiative aligns with global sustainability goals, emphasizing the potential for biodiesel production from waste falafel oil to be a pioneering solution in waste management and renewable energy in Jordan. Future research directions could focus on scaling up production, conducting environmental impact assessments, and exploring broader applications for biodiesel derived from waste falafel oil. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable practices, offering a unique and transformative approach to address both environmental and economic challenges associated with waste cooking oils in the culinary industry in Jordan.

Keywords Waste-to-Energy, Biodiesel Production, Waste Cooking Oil, Economic Feasibility