Prospects and Potentials of Moringa oleifera Seed-oil as Biodiesel Fuel Alternative in Southern Africa

Renewable energy development in Southern Africa has been focused on solar technology, wind, ocean and ocean thermal, nuclear and hydrogen cell systems as technologies on biofuels and biomass are still emerging. The present study explores the prospects and potentials of Moringa oleifera seed-oils as a viable and sustaining biodiesel alternative for use in internal combustion engines and other fuel applications. Chemo-physical properties, oil yields, thermal and gaseous emission characteristics, rheological and combustion parameters were explored and evaluated in comparison with other known feedstocks in conformity with the South African National Standards and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Higher oil recovery and quality (having oleic acid, a major fatty acid component of biodiesel ˃ 70%), production of the highest grades of biodiesel and glycerine by-product, no direct competition with food crops, more sustainable biodiesel feedstock than Jatropha oil (currently the world’s best option), better oxidative stability than most feedstocks, fast plant growth and growability in all Southern African regions, semi-arid, subtropical, semi-nutritious, saline and waste lands of the world characterize Moringa plant feedstock also known as the miracle plant/tree. As a new player in the alternative fuel market, its global potential is massive even as it is projected to be Japan and Korea’s dominant source of biodiesel for automobiles within the next fifty years. Southern Africa may trail behind with establishment of plantations and processing facilities.