Theoretical considerations regarding the need and importance of biodiesel production in the European Union

Abstract

Scientists around the world found that conventional energy sources are both polluting and depleting. In this context, scientists are looking for alternative solutions to provide the necessary energy in industry, agriculture, transportation and other economic fields. Main alternative energy sources are wind, wave, biomass, solar, hydro, etc. An important role among these is held by the energy from biomass (biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel). Because of the environmental strategies globally applied, unconventional energy sources gain a growing share of analysis and use. Among them, biodiesel is an important alternative fuel that has oil from vegetable crops as raw material. This paper outlines the evolution of biodiesel production in recent years within the European Union and advantages found in he alternative fuel both in terms of environmental protection and financial terms. The paper will analyze the strategies discussed so far in terms of promoting and using biodiesel in the European Union, and future trends. Also, the paper will emphasize the current situation regarding biodiesel production in European Union and Romania.