Sustainable Biodiesel Production in India from Non-Edible and Waste Feedstocks

Abstract

India faces significant energy security challenges because crude oil import dependence remains high while demand for diesel continues to grow. Biodiesel from non‑edible and waste feedstocks offers a sustainable route that can contribute to national blending targets and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. This review examines the present status, feedstock landscape, opportunities, barriers, and future pathways for biodiesel production in India using non‑edible oilseeds such as Jatropha curcas, Pongamia pinnata and Madhuca indica, along with waste‑derived resources such as used cooking oil and animal tallow. Current biodiesel output in India remains far below the quantity required to achieve meaningful blending targets, despite a substantial theoretical resource base. Sectoral growth has been constrained by feedstock supply limitations, cost pressures, fragmented collection systems, and policy and institutional challenges. At the same time,biodiesel development offers opportunities in waste valorization, rural income generation, greenhouse‑gas mitigation, and partial import substitution. The review discusses technical, economic, environmental and policy dimensions relevant to the Indian context and outlines practical strategies for scaling sustainable biodiesel systems.