Experiences of small-scale, batch biodiesel producers in South Africa: Challenges and success factors
2011
Ipeleng Maroo, K., Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria (South Africa). Institute for Agricultural Engineering
The biodiesel industry in South Africa is still on the developmental phase thus this study gives a general outlook on the current position of small-scale biodiesel producers. This study reports on the experiences of various small-scale batch biodiesel producers in South Africa and provides a reference framework for new entrants into the industry. Snowball sampling was used to identify and illustrate the current scenario of South African small-scale batch processing biodiesel producers who were voluntarily interviewed on issues relating to technology systems employed, capital investment, production costs, management and operation of the plant and biodiesel quality testing methods. This paper further reports on the challenges in small-scale biodiesel production. It was found that the present economical as well as the legislative environment is not conducive to the profitable production of biodiesel. Using literature and the interviews, deductions and recommendations were made for elevating the South African biodiesel industry. The future outlook of this investigation is that once the recommended success factors are implemented, this would assist to further develop the biodiesel industry and spur the market for biodiesel uptake.
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