Information on Biodiesel

 

This page provides information and links on biodiesel - an alternative, vegetable-based fuel for diesel engines.

 

Overview of Biodiesel

• Biodiesel can be created from either used or unused soybean or other vegetable oils. It can be made from almost any plant-derived oil. There is potentially 100 million gallons of used vegetable oils available each year for creating biodiesel. (source: Potential Production of Biodiesel).
• Creating biodiesel from plants that are not grown organically could potentially offset the environmental benefits of this new fuel source due to pollution from pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides; soil loss; habitat destruction; and damage caused by growing genetically-engineered plants.
• Reduces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide (one of the main causes of acid rain), hydrocarbons, benzene, and particulate matter.
• May increase nitrogen oxide levels (unless biodiesel is made from used vegetable oil). The biodiesel industry is looking for additives that would reduce nitrogen oxide levels (which is a potent greenhouse gas - it has 296 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide).
• Smells like burnt french fries or popcorn when burned.
• Can be safely blended with petroleum diesel.
• Can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. On pre-1986 vehicles, it may be necessary to replace any rubber fuel hoses that are not made of modern synthetic materials. Before first time use, it is recommended (but not always necessary - depends on age of car) that the fuel tank be flushed to eliminate sediment and scum. Talk with your mechanic and biodiesel supplier about this. The fuel filter should also be changed during initial use (frequency depends on age of car).
• Results in a slight drop in fuel economy.
• Currently costs more than $3.00 a gallon retail in the U.S.
• Can extend the life of diesel engines.
• Is biodegradable.
• Has been used extensively for over 20 years in Europe. France is the largest user in the world.
• Is being used in countries around the world.
• Is one of the fastest growing alternative fuels in the U.S.
• Has been extensively tested by government agencies, university researchers and private industry in the United States, Canada and Europe.
• Biodiesel from virgin soybean or other oils would create new jobs and increased income for farmers. However, this could result in higher food prices.
• Provides a domestic, renewable energy supply.
• Has been approved by the U.S. EPA as an alternative fuel.
• Is safer to use than petroleum diesel - it has a flash point of 300 F (vs. 125 F for diesel).
• Can also be used as a fuel lubricity additive in diesel fuel.
• Is being actively marketed by over 150 U.S. companies.
• An alternative to biodiesel is to use unprocessed Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) (used cooking oil) or Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) (unused). This requires vehicle modifications.
• Research is being conducted by private industry into creating biodiesel from algae.
• You can keep up on the latest news about biodiesel at The Soy Daily.
• Books on biodiesel.

Biodiesel Links

Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil and Waste Vegetable Oil:

• Biofuels Library (great list of links, including links on how to make your own biodiesel)
• GrassRoots Biodiesel Home Page
• Yokayo (Northern California) (great "Resources" (Links) page)
• Pacific (Hawaii) Biodiesel and Maui Green Energy - Biodiesel
• Biodiesel in Hong Kong
• Greasecar.com
• Veggie Van
• Biofuels of Marin

Biodiesel from Virgin Soybean or Other Vegetable Oils:

• Retail Fueling Stations in U.S. - some of the stations sell biodiesel in the form of used cooking oil
• How to make your own biodiesel from new vegetable oil
• U.S. National Biodiesel Board
• Biodiesel Research (University of Idaho)
• Biodiesel (U.S. Department of Energy)
• Biodiesel Industries
• Biodiesel Association of Australia
• Biodiesel (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
• National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium