Fish waste

The use of animal gut to produce biodiesel is not a new technology; however the adaptability of this technology to aquatic resources has only attracted public interest recently.   The process is simple.  Fish oil is derived from the leftover gut/waste after fish fillets are produced and is mixed with methanol (roughly 10%) and other products.

The technology used in the production of biofuels from fish gut/waste is adaptable and transferable in many other parts of the world. It can provide livelihoods, and produce local energy avoiding GHG emissions. With little investment in already existing fish farms local energy can be produced at very little cost. Biodiesel from fish residue/waste could also promote more efficient utilization of aquatic living resources and generate additional income for fishers' and fish farmers' communities. These fish farms could provide income from the production and export of fish fillets and produce relatively cost-free local energy.  It could therefore have a positive impact on food security and energy security.

The production of the biodiesel starts with the pressing of the fish waste, oil is extracted through a water separation process at 90 degrees Celsius, it is then mixed with methanol (roughly 9%) and caustic soda (in order to separate the glycerine from the biodiesel.

The fuel is then purified by adding manganese (a naturally occurring element in nature) and is then fit for engines.  The by-product glycerine is sold to the cosmetic industry for the production of soap and the residues are made into fishmeal. 1 kg of fish waste can produce over 1 lt of biodiesel.

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