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Assessing the Feasibility of Enzymatic Biodiesel Production Using the 5W2H Framework: A Brazilian Case Study with Distiller’s Corn Oil

Author

Listed:
  • Victor Hugo Souza de Abreu

    (Transport Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil)

  • Mariane Gonzalez da Costa

    (Transport Engineering Programme, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil)

  • Tássia Faria de Assis

    (Transport Engineering Programme, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil)

  • Márcio de Almeida D’Agosto

    (Transport Engineering Programme, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil)

  • Rejane Silva Rocha

    (Coppecomb Laboratory, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil)

  • Luís Otávio Días de Paula

    (Coppecomb Laboratory, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil)

  • Arsénio Massautso Simoco Laissone

    (Coppecomb Laboratory, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-914, Brazil)

Abstract

This study adopts the 5W2H management tool to investigate the opportunities and challenges of enzymatic biodiesel production from residual oils. The methodological approach enables a structured evaluation of technical, economic, environmental, and governance aspects, clarifying critical conditions for feasibility and scalability. To illustrate this framework, the research applies it to the Brazilian biofuel sector, focusing on the valorization of Distillers Corn Oil (DCO), a by-product of corn ethanol production not intended for human consumption. Results show that enzymatic conversion of DCO can reduce feedstock costs by more than 50% and energy demand by up to 86.8% compared with conventional chemical processes. Nevertheless, the scalability of this technology faces critical barriers, such as enzyme costs, reaction times, and regulatory uncertainties. The study concluded that public–private partnerships and targeted policies, such as those under Brazil’s National Biodiesel Program (PNPB), are essential to overcoming these challenges and bridging the “valley of death” toward commercialization. By combining technical, economic, and governance perspectives, the study demonstrates that DCO-based enzymatic biodiesel has the potential to reinforce Brazil’s role in the global biofuels market while promoting a circular and sustainable energy transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Hugo Souza de Abreu & Mariane Gonzalez da Costa & Tássia Faria de Assis & Márcio de Almeida D’Agosto & Rejane Silva Rocha & Luís Otávio Días de Paula & Arsénio Massautso Simoco Laissone, 2025. "Assessing the Feasibility of Enzymatic Biodiesel Production Using the 5W2H Framework: A Brazilian Case Study with Distiller’s Corn Oil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-32, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:20:p:5460-:d:1773170
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Victor Hugo Souza De Abreu & Mariane Gonzalez Da Costa & Valeria Xavier Da Costa & Tassia Faria De Assis & Andrea Souza Santos & Marcio de Almeida D’Agosto, 2022. "The Role of the Circular Economy in Road Transport to Mitigate Climate Change and Reduce Resource Depletion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-26, July.
    2. Loh, Jun Mann & Amelia, & Gourich, Wail & Chew, Chien Lye & Song, Cher Pin & Chan, Eng-Seng, 2021. "Improved biodiesel production from sludge palm oil catalyzed by a low-cost liquid lipase under low-input process conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 348-358.
    3. Bárbara Françoise Cardoso & Pery Francisco Assis Shikida & Adele Finco, 2017. "Development of Brazilian Biodiesel Sector from the Perspective of Stakeholders," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-14, March.
    4. Abdulla Ahmed Al-Mohannadi & Kadir Ertogral & Murat Erkoc, 2024. "Alternative Fuels in Sustainable Logistics—Applications, Challenges, and Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-42, September.
    5. Abdullah, Bawadi & Syed Muhammad, Syed Anuar Faua’ad & Shokravi, Zahra & Ismail, Shahrul & Kassim, Khairul Anuar & Mahmood, Azmi Nik & Aziz, Md Maniruzzaman A., 2019. "Fourth generation biofuel: A review on risks and mitigation strategies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 37-50.
    6. Muanruksa, Papasanee & Kaewkannetra, Pakawadee, 2020. "Combination of fatty acids extraction and enzymatic esterification for biodiesel production using sludge palm oil as a low-cost substrate," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 901-906.
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