Agronomic and Economic Aspects of Biodiesel Production from Oilseeds: A Case Study in Russia, Middle Volga Region

Emissions from fossil fuels are expected to increase in accordance with the global economy, which causes the development of alternative non-hydrocarbon sources in energy production. Biodiesel is one of the best options, among other sources, due to its low footprint. Russia does not have a smart policy of state support for biofuel production. The work objective was to determine whether it is necessary to develop equipment for biodiesel production, taking into account the structure of cultivated areas and available technologies; to calculate economic indicators of biodiesel production for agricultural needs; to compare the options for spring rape cultivation; as well as calculate the government support optimal level. As research methods, the authors used the apparatus of economic and mathematical modeling, and the method of absolute, relative and average values. Statistical tables are used to present the research results. Based on our study results, it is proven that the homemade biodiesel production by agricultural enterprises is economically justified. The equipment needed for its production was determined, the main economic indicators of the fuel production type and the optimal value of monetary and labor costs were calculated, and the gross and market biofuel values were obtained. The optimum level of government support for biofuel production in the Middle Volga region should be EUR 13.223 million, and the area planted with oil crops should be increased by 47.1 thousand ha.