There are three major long-term implications and benefits of the ET Process®. First, features of the technology solve old problems that plague the enzymatic biodiesel process. The result is profit generation and sustainable business practice. Second, as one component of the energy pipeline, it contributes to overall efficiency and reduced environmental risk. Third, it lends itself to aiding social concerns related to biodiesel production in rural communities.

Business. With the new development discussed in this chapter, biodiesel is readily produced at a lower cost and with greater profit. In the face of today’s unstable market, this industry can achieve long-term sustainability only by having stronger, independent sources of income. This is possible when biodiesel is produced at a cost that is competitive with diesel and when other high value products can be derived from the same feedstock material. This is especially true when virgin oil is used. Other fea­tures, such as the absence of environmental waste and flexibility of feedstock accep­tance, also reduce risk in capital investment. Because the ET Process® has a high FFA tolerance, it is also possible to store crude oil for year-round production of fuel.

Environment. Several recent studies and articles discuss the negative effects of bio­fuel production (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2008; Patzek and Patzek 2007) . Pollution brought about by wastewater and chemical waste discharge in bodies of water causes damage to the ecosystem (e. g., death of aquatic life in river systems). Land use change when forests are cleared for planta­tions may increase rather than decrease greenhouse gas emissions. These are issues that have to be resolved by communication between proponents of various feed­stock sources, government, policymakers, environmental agencies and technology providers. One part of the problem that technology can address is the efficiency in utilization of feedstock resources, which may consume considerable amounts of water and fertilizer. Without the right technology, the optimal value of these natural resources cannot be obtained. Furthermore, a flexible technology can enable the efficient conversion of less land-intensive feedstock, such as algae.

It also has universal use, meaning that feedstock plants need not be transplanted to areas that are unsuitable for their growth. For instance, palm trees grow abundantly in tropical areas where the temperatures are high and rain is abundant. These could be used to make many useful products, such as summer biodiesel, winter biodiesel, glycerol, phytochemicals and others. The same technology can be applied to other regions having its own specialty crops. Since it can also be used for different feed­stock sources, the land may adapt round cropping to preserve biodiversity (e. g., every other year, every 2-3 years). The technology supports the idea of efficiently using resources, so that waste is minimal and as much of the surrounding areas are protected from needless expansion that may stem from want of increased profit.

Social. The ET Process® can be designed in small or large scale and is made to be fully automated. The process does not produce wastewater, chemical waste and toxic compounds. Popularization of this kind of technology may significantly help rural area development, especially those with poor infrastructure or means of obtaining fuel. The direct advantage of the use of biofuel is lower health risks as compared to coal or wood burning in homes. The efficiency and additional profit brought about by the process can offset the capital cost and distribution cost of the product. Users can have an independent source of energy, bio-based products and livelihood. The technology is flexible enough to adapt to and enrich the everyday lives of rural communities, leaving them free to use their added resources for infra­structure and economic development. Unlike before, technical and business aspects of the technology make it accessible to local residents and not just corporations. Profit and products brought about by an efficient technology would encourage city dwellers to migrate to the countryside in the long run. Increased opportunities in rural areas can drive employment and restore the balance of resources relative to urban areas.

11.2 Summary

In summary, it is now already quite possible for biodiesel to be produced in an envi­ronmentally friendly manner. To establish sound business and achieve long-term sustainability, it is better to produce biodiesel together with other products. This can only be accomplished using the right enzymatic process.