Potential of biodiesel production from palm oil at Brazilian Amazon

The search for alternative fuel sources is indispensable to reduce the dependence from petroleum fuels. Biodiesel which is produced from oils and fats is an excellent substitute for diesel. In terms of feedstock, palm oil is highlighted as the traditional culture with best income in oil per hectare and it is one of the most consumed oils in the world. Brazil has great amount of illegally deforested areas in Amazon and these places are able to cultivate palm oil. These areas may be recovered through the palm sustainable planting, developing familiar agriculture and the region's economy, besides placing Brazil as one country with highest potential of biodiesel and palm oil production. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.