Title: A comprehensive review on biodiesel performance: advantages, challenges, policies and prospects

Authors: V.N.S.R. Ratnakara Rao Guduru; Subbarama Kousik Suraparaju; Sendhil Kumar Natarajan; Ravi Kiran Sastry Gadepalli; V. Ramachandra Raju

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Vasavi Engineering College (A), Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh – 534101, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Vasavi Engineering College (A), Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh – 534101, India; Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid and Process, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan 26300, Pahang, Malaysia ' Solar Energy Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Puducherry, Karaikal, Puducherry – 609609, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh – 534101, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTUK, Kakinada, AP, India

Abstract: The depletion of traditional fossil fuels, escalating emissions and stringent environmental regulations in alignment with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) have catalysed significant advancements in biofuel technologies. Among these, biodiesel has emerged as a promising eco-friendly alternative to conventional diesel for use in compression ignition (CI) engines. This review elucidates the potential of biodiesel to substantially reduce emissions while maintaining engine performance comparable to that of pure diesel, thereby presenting a compelling and sustainable fuel option. Nevertheless, challenges such as increased nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and higher brake-specific fuel consumption necessitate innovative strategies in both production and application. This comprehensive review explores the optimisation of various biodiesel formulations, including blends with eco-friendly additives, addressing the inherent challenges and identifying opportunities to meet SDGs. This review serves as a valuable guide for researchers and developers, offering insights into selecting and refining diesel alternatives that balance performance with emissions reduction, ultimately supporting the achievement of SDGs and the transition to a greener world. [Received: January 4, 2024; Accepted: July 1, 2024]

Keywords: biodiesel; engine performance; emissions; diesel engine; policies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2025.148041

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2025 Vol.38 No.2, pp.240 - 282

Received: 27 Dec 2023
Accepted: 01 Jul 2024
Published online: 15 Aug 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article