The use of waste cooking oil as a form of energy in Malta

Abstract

Waste cooking oil can be a significant burden to sewage treatment plants, drains, sewers and the environment if not disposed responsibly and properly. The conversion and its utilisation as an alternative feedstock for biofuel production offers a more sustainable solution to the disposal problem, as well as a feasible and cleaner substitute to carbon intensive fossil fuels. This dissertation focuses on waste edible oil generated by takeaways, restaurants and snack bars. Thorough research was initially carried out on the process of biofuel production; EU laws and standards, as well as initiatives and practices on the collection of such waste stream adopted by various countries. Following this, semi-structured telephone interviews/face-to-face interviews or email questionnaires were sent/conducted with 27 take-aways, 127 restaurants and 164 snack bars. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 2 private waste management facilities permitted to accept waste edible oils under EWC code 20 01 25. These interviews sought to explore, study and examine what are the current practices with regards to waste cooking oil from catering establishments to the oil’s final fate. The response of these stakeholders was analysed to synthesize the information and a Sankey diagram was produced to further explain the data while statistical analysis was carried out to explain in more detail the WMF responses. Additionally, the author conducted an interview with the owner of a former company which produced biofuels from waste cooking oil in Malta to understand the practice, challenges and ultimately closure of the said company. Furthermore, the study also determines the potential CO2 emission reduction if Malta’s 2020 target as set out in Directive 2009/28/EC is to be reached. Results show that none of the catering establishments interviewed find any difficulties in disposing their waste cooking oil. Furthermore, waste management facilities lamented that lack of governmental support is one of the reasons which discourages them from producing biofuels from waste cooking oil locally. In fact, the said justification was mentioned as to why the owner of a former company which produced biofuels locally stopped its operation. This study endeavours to provide guidance and support to policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in the transport, energy and environmental sector in promoting biofuels in the Maltese Islands.