Non-Edible Plant Pelemir Seeds (Cephalaria Syriaca L.): A New and Effective Source for Biodiesel Feedstock

Fossil fuels, as non-renewable energy sources, pose environmental and energy supply security challenges. This study evaluates pelemir (Cephalaria syriaca L.) seed oil, a non-edible vegetable oil not preferred by the food sector, as a renewable, locally adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production in Türkiye. Unlike edible oils that raise food-safety concerns, non-edible oils like pelemir offer a potentially more economical and environmentally friendly route to biodiesel. Crude oil was extracted from Karahan genotype pelemir seeds collected in the Erzincan region. Analyses showed the oil to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids (74.2%), predominantly linoleic and oleic acids. Owing to its low free fatty acid content (<1%), the crude oil was converted into biodiesel by base-catalyzed transesterification with methanol. Biodiesel produced from Karahan genotype pelemir seeds is suitable for Turkey's geographical and climatic conditions and meets the EN 14214 and ASTM D 6751 biodiesel standards. Feedstock availability and production cost are two key prerequisites for sustainable, commercial biofuel. The use of the pelemir plant as a biodiesel feedstock supports energy security and resilience, as well as emission control for the climate crisis, both globally and in Türkiye.