Evaluating the potential of biodiesel (via recycled cooking oil) use in Singapore, an urban city

• Investigate the approach for urban cities to mitigate climate change for road transport.
• Evaluate the potential of biodiesel via recycled cooking oil (carbon neutral).
• Biodiesel can help Singapore cut 7–10% carbon emissions before 2020.
• Recommendations are made to improve the feasibility and viability of biodiesel.

Singapore has pledged to attain 7–11% Business-As-Usual carbon emissions reduction by 2020. About 19% of CO2 contribution stemmed from road transport in 2005. Commercial vehicles, which uses mainly diesel, consumed 695 million litres diesel in 2012. An estimated 115,585 tonnes or 127 million litres cooking oils (derived from seeds/fruits) were consumed in 2010, in which the bulk of used cooking oil is re-incorporated into the food preparation process while only a small amount is being recycled into biodiesel or disposed into the sewerage. Nevertheless, the present research reveals that biodiesel derived from spent cooking oil has potential to be a viable fuel supplement. Surveys were carried out involving three market segments – suppliers, processors and end-users – to identify the barriers and obstacles in mass production of biodiesel. A key enabler of biodiesel as a fuel supplement towards a greener environment lies in government mandate/policies in promoting greater biodiesel usage.