Energy analysis of jojoba plantation systems for the production of biodiesel

01.Sep.2018

​The aim of this study is to investigate the energy chain of biodiesel production from jojoba seed oil using a life cycle approach. The system boundary starts with jojoba plantation and includes extraction and conversion of seed oil into biodiesel. Energy inputs during fertilizer production and application, jojoba plantation and harvesting, oil extraction, biodiesel production, product transportation and distribution are included. Energy outputs from biodiesel and its co-products (straw, seed cake, and glycerin) are considered in the analysis. Energy efficiency is expressed in terms of the net energy gain (NEG) and the net energy ratio (NER). The results show that the NEG and NER values are calculated at 46724.1 MJ/ha (28.9 MJ/L biodiesel produced) and 2.16, respectively. Nevertheless, if manure is used as fertilizer for jojoba plant cultivation, the primary energy input will fall by 9.52% (to 22.49 MJ/L of biodiesel). ((https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/XgdjiDh9PtRRfvwJHRXg/full)