FACTORS INFLUENCING THE BIODIESEL MARKET. THE IMPACT OF THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS ON THE BIODIESEL INDUSTRY

The biofuels represent a viable alternate solution to the fossil fuels due to their renewable feature and their contribution to the improvement of the carbon dioxide balance in atmosphere. The development of production of these fuels remains to be done in terms of improving feedstock accessibility, progress in conversion technologies, reduction of capital and production costs and enhancing overall process integration. The work presents the key market and economic factors influencing the development of biofuels industry, particularly biodiesel production. The impact of the 2008 - 2009 economic crises on this industry is also discussed.