Evaluation of biodiesel production and utilization of biodiesel as an alternative source of energy from the point of view of Turkish agriculture and EU adaptation process

This study aims to evaluate production and utilization of biodiesel as an alternative source of energy both in terms of Turkish agriculture and EU adaptation process. Research area covers Tekirdağ, Adana, Çanakkale, Balıkesir and Osmaniye provinces, where rapeseed, the raw material of biodiesel, is widely grown. In this study, rapeseed and biodiesel production are analyzed from an economical and social point of view. Technical dimensions were also considered in the analysis of biodiesel production in addition to economic and social dimensions.Despite the fact that rapeseed, which is the standard raw material of biodiesel production, is a relatively new crop for Turkey and the problems faced due to little past experience of farmers in rapeseed farming, there are strong signals indicating that rapeseed farming will be developed since it is an easily marketable crop and receives supports from the government.Despite its high bio-fuel processing potential in the world, Turkey cannot appreciate this potential due to problems related to raw material, high private consumption tax, problems in legal procedures and bureaucratic impediments. Particularly, application of high private consumption tax causes to increase production costs and consequently, companies that cannot produce biodiesel economically cease their production.Turkey is among the countries that can play an active role in biodiesel production and trade, can do so by appreciating its resources. A reevaluation of biodiesel production from the raw material stage to production and marketing stages by taking into consideration of the national characteristics will give Turkey an ability to have an active role in this area in the future.Key words: Bio-diesel, Rapeseed, Turkey, European Union.