A circular economy approach for industrial scale biodiesel production from palm oil mill effluent using microwave heating: Design, simulation, techno-economic analysis and location comparison

This paper examines a green approach to produce industrial-scale biodiesel from a palm oil mill effluent (POME) using Microwave Heating. Kinetic data were determined for this reaction and implemented into the Aspen HYSYS simulation software to produce an economic analysis of the process. It was found that the process is economically feasible with the inclusion of significant recycle streams and additional separation equipment. It was found that Malaysia might be the best location to repurpose palm oil mill effluent (POME) because of palm oil production density. Thailand provides modest sea access and the best direct connection with mainland Asia, proving advantageous when distributing biodiesel fuel. Although Malaysia shares this connection to the mainland, terrestrial transport would have to travel a greater distance, increasing costs and emissions. Indonesia, however, offers the largest number of potential plant locations with direct sea access.