Life Cycle Assessment and Technical-Economic-Environmental Feasibility Study of Biodiesel Production from Jatropha for Use in Light Vehicles in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Ashkan Momtazi ¹
• reza alimardani ²
• ali hajiahmad ¹

¹ Department of Agricultural Engineering College of Engineering and Technology University of Tehran,karaj ,Iran

² Department of AGricultural Engineering College of Engineering and Technology University of Tehran karaj Iran

Abstract

Keywords

• Jatropha Biodiesel
• Multi-Criteria Assessment
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Light-Duty Transport

Main Subjects

• biosystem

Introduction

 The global transition towards sustainable energy has intensified the search for viable alternatives to fossil fuels in the transport sector. In Iran, this pursuit is further driven by the dual objectives of enhancing energy security and reducing environmental impact. Biodiesel derived from non-edible feedstocks like Jatropha presents a promising avenue, particularly given Iran's potential for cultivating this resilient plant on marginal lands. However, a comprehensive assessment of its viability requires moving beyond isolated technical or economic analyses. This study, therefore, develops and applies an integrated multi-criteria framework to holistically evaluate the potential of Jatropha-based biodiesel for light-duty transport in Iran, simultaneously examining technical performance, economic feasibility, direct environmental emissions, and full life-cycle impacts to provide a robust foundation for strategic decision-making.

Method

This research employed an integrated assessment framework that combined technical process simulation, economic modeling, and environmental life cycle analysis. The technical performance of the biodiesel production process from Jatropha oil was rigorously modeled using Aspen HYSYS software to determine energy and utility requirements. Economic viability was assessed using the Total Revenue Requirement (TRR) method, with key financial uncertainties, such as inflation rates, addressed through Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the comprehensive environmental footprint was evaluated via a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted in SimaPro software using the IMPACT 2002+ methodology, encompassing all stages from agricultural cultivation to vehicle end-of-life.

Results

The multi-criteria analysis revealed a nuanced picture of Jatropha biodiesel's potential in Iran. From an environmental perspective, the fuel showed a relative advantage in climate impact, with a life-cycle global warming potential of 32.69 g CO₂-eq/km, approximately 9% lower than that of conventional gasoline. However, this benefit was countered by significant challenges: economically, the levelized cost of travel was calculated at $0.88 per kilometer, 50% higher than gasoline, primarily due to a high production cost of $1 per liter of fuel. Environmentally, the vehicle emitted 0.721 g/km of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a level posing concerns for local air quality, while the LCA also identified substantial land use (15.14 m²/km) as a critical resource consumption issue.

Conclusions

In conclusion, while Jatropha biodiesel demonstrates a measurable advantage in reducing net greenhouse gas emissions within the Iranian context, its current economic non-competitiveness and notable NOx emissions preclude its viability as a widespread, direct substitute for conventional fuels in the light-duty vehicle segment. The findings suggest that its strategic value lies instead in targeted, complementary applications, such as in public transport fleets on fixed routes or agricultural machinery in remote areas, where energy diversification is paramount. For such niches to be realized, concerted policy support, focused research and development to lower production costs and mitigate NOx emissions, and careful planning for cultivation on marginal lands are essential prerequisites for integrating this biofuel into a sustainable national energy portfolio.

Funding

The study was funded by the University of Tehran through student grant from vice dean in reseach of University of Tehran.

Authorship contribution

For research articles with several authors, a short paragraph specifying their individual contributions must be provided. The contribution through the following sections were equal: Conceptualization, methodology, software, validation, formal analysis, investigation, resources, data curation, writing and original draft preparation, writing, review and editing, visualization, supervision, project administration, funding acquisition. All authors have read and agreed to the published last version of the manuscript. All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process

Authors in this manuscript did’nt use any generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.

Data availability statement

“Not applicable” here.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to appreciate the vice dean in research of University of Tehran for funding support in conductiong this research.

Ethical considerations

The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, and any form of misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.