Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 72-84 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 76 fuel in agriculture. The findings indicated that while the direct use of SVO reduces the chemical processes involved in converting it into biodiesel, the economic benefits are marginal under current conditions. Specifically, the study found an 8% profit difference favoring conventional diesel over rapeseed SVO in Spain, although this gap could be reduced to 3.7% with changes in key factors such as diesel fuel price, grants, and crop aids (Baquero et al., 2011). Another study focused on the environmental and economic impacts of biodiesel production from rapeseed oil in Denmark. This research highlighted that the climate change potential from biodiesel production is significantly lower than that of conventional diesel (57 kg CO2-eq/1,000 km for biodiesel compared to 214 kg CO2-eq/1,000 km for conventional diesel). However, the study also emphasized the need for improved production methods and the use of residual straw from rapeseed fields to enhance economic viability (Herrmann et al., 2013). 4.2 Market trends and price fluctuations The market trends and price fluctuations of rapeseed oil biodiesel are influenced by several factors, including fossil fuel prices, agricultural policies, and environmental regulations.The increasing awareness of the environmental impact of petrochemical oil products and the depletion of fossil fuel resources have driven the demand for alternative fuels like biodiesel. The European Union's directive requiring member states to ensure that at least 10% of energy in transport comes from renewable sources by 2020 has further bolstered the market for biodiesel (Herrmann et al., 2013). However, the market for rapeseed oil biodiesel is also subject to price volatility. The study on the economic analysis of rapeseed SVO in agriculture noted that the fluctuating costs of diesel fuel significantly impact the economic benefits of using rapeseed oil as a biofuel. The study suggested that combined environmental-friendly agriculture supporting policies are necessary to mitigate the slight profit differences and promote the use of rapeseed oil biodiesel (Baquero et al., 2011). In conclusion, while rapeseed oil biodiesel presents a promising alternative to conventional diesel, its economic viability is closely tied to market trends, price fluctuations, and supportive policies. Further research and development in production methods and policy incentives are essential to enhance its competitiveness and adoption. 4.3 Government policies and subsidies supporting rapeseed biodiesel Government policies and subsidies play a crucial role in promoting the production and use of rapeseed biodiesel. Various countries have implemented policies to support the biodiesel industry, including tax incentives, subsidies, and mandates for biodiesel blending. These measures aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and support rural economic development. For instance, the European Union has been a significant proponent of biodiesel, including rapeseed biodiesel, through its Renewable Energy Directive (RED), which mandates a certain percentage of energy consumption from renewable sources, including biofuels (González-García et al., 2012). This directive has been instrumental in driving the demand for rapeseed biodiesel in Europe. Additionally, subsidies for rapeseed cultivation and biodiesel production help offset the higher costs associated with biodiesel production compared to conventional diesel (Baquero et al., 2011). In Spain, the government provides diesel fuel grants and crop aids to support the agricultural sector, which indirectly benefits rapeseed biodiesel production. However, the current economic situation still favors the use of conventional diesel due to a slight profit difference (Baquero et al., 2011). To bridge this gap, combined environmentally-friendly agriculture supporting policies are necessary to promote rapeseed biodiesel as a viable alternative. 4.4 Economic viability and profitability of rapeseed biodiesel production The economic viability and profitability of rapeseed biodiesel production depend on several factors, including production costs, market prices, and government support. The production of biodiesel from rapeseed involves
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