Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a clean burning form of diesel fuel made by transesterification of animal fats, vegetable oils or other organic matter by adding methanol and a catalyst. The fuel can then be used in diesel engine vehicles.c

How Is Biodiesel Made?

Transesterification is a chemical process through which glycerin is separated from fat or oil, leaving behind two products:

1. Methyl esters (biodiesel)

2. Glycerin

Vegetable oils that biodiesel is made from include rape seed oil, sunflower seed oil, soybean oil and used frying oils.c

How Is Biodiesel Used?

Biodiesel can be used as a fuel by itself or it can be blended with petroleum. It is registered as both a fuel and a fuel additive with the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Biodiesel blends up to 20 percent work in diesel engines without any modifications needed. It can be purchased across the United States. For an updated listing of registered fuel suppliers, go to www.biodiesel.org.c

Biodiesel and the Environment

Biodiesel is a safer alternative to diesel and gasoline in terms of the environment since it is created from renewable resources, has lower emissions and is less toxic than table salt. Biodiesel also biodegrades as fast as sugar.

According to the European Biodiesel Board, studies have shown that the use of 1 kg (1000 g) of biodiesel equates to a CO2 reduction of 3 kg (3000 g).c

By making biodiesel from soybeans in the United States, dependence on foreign oil is decreased and the economy is given a boost.c