Energy Productivity of Castor Bean Biomass: Beyond Biodiesel

The production of fuel from part of the castor bean biomass, specifically from the fruit of Ricinus communis, resulted in a high-density oil that requires dilution in other lighter oils in increasing proportions according to its participation in Biodiesel - B5, B10, B20... In addition, the biggest disadvantage of using castor beans is the energy balance in the production of fuel oil, as more energy is required than is produced. However, a more comprehensive approach reveals that the Ricinus communis shrub has much more biomass than just its fruits: trunk, stems, leaves, and fruit husks. All this biomass produced within 120 days (planting and harvesting) can be used to generate energy through combustion or synthesis gas, and nitrogen can be extracted from the leaf mass in the form of ammonia. These two production lines, together with fuel oil, make it possible to reverse the energy balance, enabling the total use of the plant.