Biodiesel

100% Biodiesel, or B100, is composed of long chain fatty acids (mono-alkyl esthers) derived from new or used vegetable oils or animal fats, which are nontoxic, biodegradable, and renewable. These fats or oils are chemically reacted with an alcohol (methanol is most common in the US) in the presence of a catalyst such as sodium hydroxide to produce fatty acid methyl esters. Biodiesel is the name given to these esters when they are intended for use as fuel. Biodiesel is typically blended with conventional diesel, the most common blend being B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% petro-diesel), which may be safely used in any diesel engine. However, biodiesel can be the sole fuel used (B100) or it can be legally blended with petroleum diesel in any percentage (from B2 to B99).

Biodiesel (B100) contains about 8% less energy per gallon than petroleum diesel. For B20, this could mean a 1% to 2% difference. However, some users report no difference or even improved fuel economy with blended biodiesel. This may be a result of a biodiesel solvency effect that reduces engine deposits and creates a higher cetane rating, meaning it burns fuel more efficiently. Biodiesel also has greater lubricity, which reduces engine wear and some users have experienced successful extension of oil change intervals. Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. The cost of B20 varies, but has historically been five cents less to thirty cents more than petroleum diesel (other blend levels are relative to this cost comparison). Interested users are strongly encouraged to consult with biodiesel distributors and retailers for specific pricing.

Biodiesel has many health and environmental benefits when compared to regular diesel fuel. It produces significantly fewer emissions (unburned hydrocarbons, toxics, CO2, CO, particulates, and others). The reductions in emissions increase as the amount of biodiesel blended into diesel fuel increases. Biodiesel is also a renewable, American fuel and can be made from domestic resources.

Links

• For information on biofuels pump funding click here.
• For more information on the federal tax incentives extended at the end of 2010, visit our page on the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.
• Dubious about biofuels? Please read CFO's Executive Director Sam Spofforth's Biofuels White Paper.
• To learn more about biodiesel, please visit the National Biodiesel Board.
• For more information on biodiesel basics & incentives, please visit the the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
• To find biodiesel stations in Ohio, please visit our Biodiesel Station Locator;
• For out-of-state locations, use the Alternative Fuels Data Center's Station Locator.
• To learn more about biodiesel vehicles that are currently available, please visit FuelEconomy.gov's Diesel Section.
• For information on Vegetable Oil as a fuel source, please visit Straight Vegetable Oil as a Diesel Fuel?
• To read about the latest biodiesel news, please visit our Delicious page.