How much of the target for biofuels can be met by biodiesel generated from residues in Ireland?

This study focuses on biodiesel production from residues in particular tallow and used cooking oil (UCO). Ireland has 8% of the EU cattle herd with less than 1% of the EU population. Thus a significant quantity of slaughter residues is available for energy production. The total energy potential associated with slaughter wastes and UCO is estimated to be 7.07 PJ/a; 61% of which is suitable for biodiesel production. The potential quantity of biodiesel is equivalent to 2.1% of predicted transport fuel use in 2010; three quarters of the 2010 biofuels target. Biodiesel production from these two residue streams may be expressed as equivalent to 22% of arable land in Ireland under oilseed rape. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.