What exactly is “Biodiesel”?

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignited (diesel) engines with no major modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

What is the technical definition of Biodiesel and how is it made?

Technical Definition: Biodiesel, n-a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) D-6751.

Biodiesel is produced from renewable resources such as vegetable oils (e.g. canola, sunflower and soybean oil), animal fats and recycled restaurant greases. These feedstocks are used to manufacture a mixture of chemicals called fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel). The chemical process is called “transesterification” (this should not be considered “refining” in the same sense that petroleum is refined) and has been around since the 1820’s. Majority inputs are 90% vegetable oils and animal fats and 10% alcohol. The majority outputs are 90% biodiesel and 10% glycerin.

The hydrocarbon chain (oil or fat) has a backbone of carbon with a glycerin tail. The chemical process breaks off the glycerin tail and replaces it with an alcohol, in most cases methanol. This process, often brought about faster with a catalyst like potash or lye, allows the newly formed “mono-ester” to act viscous like diesel fuel instead of sticky like salad dressing.

So how much diesel is in “Biodiesel”?

Sorry about the confusion, but the word “Biodiesel” is a misnomer—there is NO DIESEL IN BIODIESEL—unless you blend it. Biodiesel’s ability to be blended is a fuel characteristic that makes this product especially versatile.

“B” what?

The pure fuel is often called “Neat Biodiesel” or B100. Anything after the “B” is the % of biodiesel, the remaining percentage is the diesel fuel, i.e B20 is 20% biodiesel and 80% regular diesel.

Biodiesel Basics

Why Biodiesel?

See our "Top Reasons" page for the top ten reasons why Biodiesel is the fastest growing alternative fuel in the US market.

Is there anything to be concerned about?

Biodiesel is a clean renewable fuel with its own fuel characteristics. To best understand these characteristics, one should read the NREL 2006 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines. When using low biodiesel blends (B20 and below), there are minimal concerns even in very cold climates. When using biodiesel or higher biodiesel blends (above B50), certain characteristics of the fuel should be considered before and during its use:

Can I make Biodiesel (for cheap) on the farm or in my back yard?

Yes, you can.

However, most people estimate that if you don’t include all your time in learning and setting up a processor (anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 dollars), space, collecting and filtering the waste vegetable oil and making the fuel (about two hours per 50 gallons) – you can get the costs down to .70 cents a gallon. Including your time, space, training and all the necessary materials makes “home-brewing” more expensive than just the “free” waste vegetable oil.

A backyard processor does not provide the quality, safety or consistency that a commercial plant can. Safety and quality are vital to the growth of the industry—and important factors to consider before making or using biodiesel “homebrew.”

Is Biodiesel approved for use?

Biodiesel is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and meets clean diesel standards established by the California Air Resources Board. Neat (100 percent) biodiesel has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).Biodiesel has an ASTM (American Standard Testing and Measurement) standard, just like diesel fuel. Be sure to ask your supplier to see that they only provide ASTM fuel.

How much does Biodiesel cost?

Biodiesel diversifies our energy supply and stabilizes our fuel prices. While biodiesel has historically cost slightly more than petroleum diesel, biodiesel has more recently maintained price or gone down in price as compared with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel's role in providing enhanced lubricity, decreased exposure to toxics and support of American farmers makes any price difference negligible at best.

By diversifying our energy supplies with a clean renewable fuel that is 100% compatible with petroleum diesel, biodiesel would help provide us some relief to our current diesel only economy. As volatile petroleum prices jump even higher, biodiesel can provide energy stability and dramatic economic savings.

When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems, many fleet managers believe biodiesel is their least-cost-per-compliance mile option. Use of biodiesel does not require major engine modifications. That means operators keep their fleets, their spare parts inventories, their refueling stations and their skilled mechanics. The only thing that changes is air quality.

Is Biodiesel safer than petroleum diesel?

Scientific research confirms that biodiesel exhaust has a less harmful impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH compounds which have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds. In recent testing, PAH compounds were reduced by 75 to 85 percent, with the exception of benzo(a)anthracene, which was reduced by roughly 50 percent. Targeted nPAH compounds were also reduced dramatically with biodiesel fuel, with 2-nitrofluorene and 1-nitropyrene reduced by 90 percent, and the rest of the nPAH compounds reduced to only trace levels.

Anything in concentration can damage the environment. It is non-toxic and biodegradable. Don't spill it. Keep it stored properly, and handle it properly, and keep it out of "the environment." According to the Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 34, Section 3402) it is a Class IIIB combustible liquid, not a flammable.

Tests sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture confirm that biodiesel is less toxic than petroleum diesel and biodegrades as fast as dextrose (a test sugar). In addition, biodiesel has a flash point of over 125˚C which makes it safer to store and handle than petroleum diesel fuel.

What is the industry doing to ensure Biodiesel quality?

Biodiesel quality starts with ensuring that biodiesel meets the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. Biodiesel, just like petroleum diesel, has an ASTM specification. The number for biodiesel is ASTM 6751-D. Users should be able to ask for and receive a copy of the ASTM specification that came with any fuel BEFORE putting it in their engines.

In addition to ASTM specification, the biodiesel industry has developed a voluntary quality control program for producers and distributors to ensure that biodiesel is produced according to ASTM specifications and contamination or degradation does not occur during distribution, storage, or blending. That program is called "BQ9000". It is managed by an independent organization—the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission. There are “Accredited Producers” and “Certified Distributors” depending on which activity a firm specializes in. The firm receives the accreditation, not the fuel, but the fuel supplied by either an accredited producer or a certified distributor meets all applicable standards for sale and use in the United States.

Getting Started

What car should I buy-- Gasoline? Diesel? Hybrid? or Electric?

Depending on your price range, your location and your needs, your new or used car choice is not an easy one.

For new cars, start your research at the newly posted website of the Department of Energy. Go to "Fuel Economy" for more information.

The federal government does give some tax credits for Hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. Go to "Energy Star" for more on tax breaks for new cars.

If you can plug your electric vehicle into your solar panels, you are running as close to zero-emissions and low-impact as you can get. Hybrids can cost more and can be more expensive to repair. Both electric and hybrid still have the concern of the sourcing clean electric power and disposal of the heavy battery.

If you have bought or are buying a Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV), your car can run on 85% Ethanol (E85). While most CA gas has 6-10% ethanol currently in the fuel, there are few if any E85 pumps.

Diesel does offer long lasting, fuel efficient engines and when used with biodiesel and biodiesel blends-- a clean, long range, affordable option.

What do I have to do to convert my engine to use Biodiesel?

Nothing. Simply fill your diesel fuel tank with biodiesel and drive away. If you plan on switching over to pure biodiesel, it is important to understand its properties ("Concerns").

To prevent any problems before they occur, ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel ASTM specification is used.

Based on user experience, no vehicle modifications appear to be necessary for blends of biodiesel as high as 20% biodiesel mixed with diesel fuel. Higher blend levels may require minor modification to seals, gaskets, and other parts. Tank and fuel line/fuel filter heaters (arctic packages) are recommended for blends of more than 20% biodiesel.

Where can I buy Biodiesel?

Try "Biodiesel Locations" to help you find the biodiesel station nearest your location.

What do I need to consider before implementing Biodiesel into my fleet?

11 steps to transition your fleet to a BIODIESEL Blend

1) Learn: Many sources of good education exist. Begin by reading the Community Fuels Fact Sheets and the Department of Energy’s “Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines”. Reach out to fleet operators of biodiesel blends with similar fleet sizes and applications-- Community Fuels can help you connect to these contacts.

2) Ensure total costs/savings: The transition to a biodiesel blend may include some upfront costs, such as component compatibility review, that may save you money in the long-run. You may need to install or clean out a tank, dedicate employment training time, pay more or less for your blend, and prepare for increased initial maintenance costs. You may save money in the end through reduced maintenance, improved marketing or diesel price fluctuations. Whatever your costs or savings, you should ensure that you dedicated the initial funds and time for a smooth transition.

3) Clean Your Tanks: Depending on the condition and age of your fueling infrastructure, you may need to clean your fuel tanks from sediment that hold the biodiesel before transitioning to biodiesel or a biodiesel blend. Will you be receiving pre-blended fuel (recommended) or “splash-blending” on site? Develop a semi-annual or annual tank management program for your site to ascertain the regular status of your fuel and tank. Take regular bottom samples to verify lack of moisture content and microbial activity. Depending on how quickly you may use the fuel, an algaecide may be recommended.

4) Quality is critical: Demand to see the Certificate of Analysis for the fuel. Also ask to receive confirmation on who produced the fuel, where it was produced, when it was produced and how it was transported. (who?, where?, when? how?) Depending upon the transportation and chain of custody changes, you may want to ask for a new Certificate of Analysis to be prepared to prove that the fuel remains within specifications at its current storage location. Also, ask what feedstock was used to produce the fuel to ensure you are comfortable with the cold flow properties and the products contribution towards energy security and sustainability.

5) Pilot with low-level blends: Be smart and start small. Individual engines may demonstrate different carbon deposit build-up. Biodiesel in its pure form (B100) has excellent solvency characteristics. So as to not agitate your system with a transition to high level blends, apply lower blend levels at first to a few vehicles (if feasible) and work up as you and your fleet adjusts to the new fuel. Biodiesel is easy to phase in and out, so you can maintain flexibility in technology deployment. It can be blended in with existing diesel to create various mixtures like a B2, B5 or B20 blends. Low Sulfur and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) require lubricity while biodiesel is a totally renewable additive for this role and complements ULSD.

Although the U.S. Department of Energy says that “B20 is sufficiently diluted so that most (cleaning effect) problems are insignificant,” field reports indicated this is a possibility even with the B5 blends, especially if your fuel storage and handling systems are old or have not been carefully maintained.

6) Take samples: If your biodiesel fuel is being delivered pre-blended (recommended) then it may be more difficult to asses quality at the time of delivery. Request that your distributor take and test samples or become a BQ-9000 Certified Marketer. This BQ-9000 Marketer certification, like the BQ-9000 Producer Certification, does not guarantee quality, but does ensure that the best distributing practices are in place. If nothing else, you may want to develop a relationship with a local fuel testing laboratory.

7) Be Prepared: with Compatible parts: Any gasket, hosing or O-rings that would come into contact with biodiesel should be manufactured and tested for biodiesel compatibility, such as Viton and Teflon parts. All blended products, such as B2 and B5, would have a minimal effect on less durable compounds such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyurethane. For a comprehensive list of these materials, visit www.biodiesel.org and click, ‘Fuel Facts.” Gates (www.gates.com) is one company that carries Biodiesel compatible parts. Demand that your fuel distributor and mechanics review component viability before modifying any system.

8) Take Cold Weather and Oxidative Precautions: Depending on the feedstock, B100 stored in cold temperatures (less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit) may need to be heated prior to distribution. If pumping biodiesel in cold weather through a pump, keep the hose and supply line to the pump equally protected. A simple cold-flow additive may be enough to eliminate any potential cold-flow threats. Remember to start with the highest quality diesel fuel in terms of cold weather performance. If the biodiesel portion of the fuel has been produced and delivered from out-of-state or from long distances, it may have been exposed to extreme temperatures elsewhere therefore changing its oxidative or chemical make-up by the time it reaches your tank. Check the ASTM certification for cold-flow properties and date of production.

9) Keep records: Everything from a broken headlight to a faulty alternator has been blamed on biodiesel. Without a strict record keeping regime, there is no means to documenting the maintenance and cost impacts of using biodiesel. This can be especially effective if you have a solid record keeping system already in place and can compare any previous changes to current changes with biodiesel use. Once in place you will have the raw data to adequately review all the positive and negative impacts of a biodiesel transition.

10) Go fleet-wide: Once you have followed steps 1-9, you and your fleet are fully prepared to go fleet-wide. The first six months may come with a few additional maintenance headaches such as replacing a few fuel lines, filters and seals. Once the initial diesel carbon sediment has been cleaned out of the engine system, your fleet will likely see fewer maintenance issues and a cleaner work environment. The literal and figurative and diesel headaches of the past should be gone for good as long as you stay on top of enforcing quality fuel and equipment compatibility.

11) Market Your Success: By diversifying your fueling sources and stabilizing prices, your company can save money and prepare for the future. Beyond the economic advantages, many companies are finding that by doing the right thing for the environment, our national security and vehicle performance, that they are directly benefiting from the marketing advantages of using biodiesel. Stickers on vehicles, press releases about environmental responsibility, participation in industry panels and leadership in the realm of sustainability all come along with biodiesel use. Over 700 fleets currently use biodiesel or a biodiesel blend. Your fleet could be next.

What is the price and availability of Biodiesel?

Biodiesel diversifies our energy supply and stabilizes our fuel prices. While biodiesel has historically cost slightly more than petroleum diesel, biodiesel has more recently maintained price or gone down in price as compared with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel's role in providing enhanced lubricity, decreased exposure to toxics and support of American farmers makes any price difference negligible at best.

Biodiesel is a cost-effective and flexible fuel that can be blended with petroleum diesel at any level and used in most diesel engines with few or no modifications.   The biodiesel industry growth benefits the economy, while also broadening the nation’s renewable energy options.

Biodiesel produced domestically reduces the nation’s reliance on imported oil and encourages investment into the development of a clean energy economy.  It also offers a regional approach to energy production and energy security, a contrast to the centralized, choke-point-laden petroleum production system.  Trains, ships, trucks, agriculture and construction, all depend on diesel equipment that is likely to remain in service for the next several decades. No other alternative, including compressed natural gas, electric vehicles or hydrogen, can replace diesel equipment easily or cost effectively. Clean burning biodiesel requires no new equipment, no infrastructural changes, and no engine modifications when used in common blends with petroleum. Biodiesel use, due to its higher lubricity, also contributes to a longer engine life and lower maintenance costs.

Ask your local distributor for exact price and availability.

Do I need special storage facilities?

Depends how you are storing it. Keep it dark. Keep it at constant temperature. Keep the water out of it. In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum diesel can be used for biodiesel. The fuel should be stored in a clean, dry, dark environment. Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene and teflon. Copper, brass, lead, tin, and zinc should be avoided.

Can Biodiesel be used as a fuel lubricity additive?

Testing has confirmed that biodiesel can provide sufficient levels of fuel lubricity, even at blend levels below 1%, in current on-road diesel fuel. Testing is underway to determine specific blend levels that would be required in ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (15 ppm).

Replenishing the loss lubricity that will be apparent in future diesel fuel can be accomplished with conventional lubricity additives either on the market today or in the process of being formulated. Economically, these products are the same or less expensive than biodiesel. Petroleum based additives, however, do not have the same conservation, energy security, environmental, and economic benefits. All of these factors need to be weighed fully.

Has Biodiesel been thoroughly tested?

Biodiesel has been extensively tested by government agencies, university researchers and private industry in the United States, Canada and Europe. Many transit authorities within the US have conducted tests as well.

More than 600 fleets, 100 biodiesel demonstrations, including three one-million-mile tests and more than thirty 50,000-mile tests, have logged more than 10 million road miles with biodiesel blends on US roads.

In these tests, performance, fuel mileage and drivability with biodiesel blends were similar to conventional diesel, but opacity levels were reduced and exhaust odor was less offensive. No adverse durability or engine wear problems were noted.

The biodiesel industry also has commissioned more than 40 independent studies to research benefits ranging from improved lubricity to biodegradability.

Who blends the fuel, and how is it done?

Diesel users can have their suppliers obtain biodiesel and simply blend it before delivery. Or they can have biodiesel delivered directly and mix it themselves. It blends easily, stays mixed and requires no special handling.

Which blend is best?

Depending on the application, climate and season, the blend of biodiesel can be from 2% up to 100%.

In Europe (especially France), where low sulfur diesel has been in-place for many years, biodiesel is added to provide the lubrication that was lost with the removal of the sulfur.

In environmentally sensitive areas (marine, alpine) and in mines where the maximum environmental benefit is required, 100% biodiesel is often used.

In the US, where biodiesel is in use in bus fleets, 20% biodiesel is mostly used - to address the best current balance of emissions, cost and availability.

What is the difference between Gasoline and Diesel?

Comparing Gasoline and Diesel can be like comparing apples and oranges. In other words, these are two petroleum fuels with distinct applications that can not be compared easily.

Diesel has 40% more energy content than gasoline.

Diesel uses 25% more crude petroleum to make than gasoline.

Diesel engines are 30-50% more efficient than gasoline engines.

In general, diesel has more Particulates and Nitrous Oxides pollutants than gasoline (new post-combustion particulate traps can reduce particulate emissions beyond those of modern gasoline vehicles).

New federally mandated Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) enables new post-combustion technologies to dramatically reduce all diesel pollutants-- see below.

Diesel engines last longer (sometimes 2 or 3 times longer) than gasoline engines.

Of the approximately 180 billion barrels of petroleum consumed by the U.S every year, 60 billion gallons is distillate fuels (construction, trucking, locomotive, marine, agriculture, etc). Heavy duty equipment is more often diesel while consumer vehicles are often gasoline. Different fuels are appropriate for different applications.

What is the difference between Biodiesel and Biodiesel blends?

Biodiesel’s ability to be blended is a fuel characteristic that makes this product especially versatile. Only 100% biodiesel used on its own (most often called B100) should be called “biodiesel.” Biodiesel mixed with any level of petroleum diesel is a blended fuel and should be referred to as “Biodiesel Blends.”

What is the difference between Biodiesel and Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO)?

Both biodiesel and vegetable oil can be used in a compression-ignition (diesel) engine. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fats through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated out. Biodiesel does not contain petroleum, though it can be blended in any proportion with petroleum diesel. No modification is required to run your diesel vehicle on biodiesel. It is registered with the EPA, and is a legally recognized motor fuel.

In order to run on straight vegetable oil, a fuel heating system must be added to your diesel vehicle. Burning vegetable oil may not be good for the environment or for the engine, as vegetable oil contains glycerin while biodiesel does not. Unlike biodiesel, vegetable oil is not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is not a legally recognized motor fuel.

Burning biodiesel produces a faint odor often difficult to detect. Burning vegetable oil produces a more dramatic odor that resembles the original oil such as French fries or Chinese food.

What is the difference between Biodiesel and Ethanol?

NUMBER #1. Ethanol is a replacement for GASOLINE. It is DISTILLED from CORN and other STARCHES.

Biodiesel is a replacement for DIESEL. It is CHEMICALLY REACTED from VEGETABLE OILS AND ANIMAL FATS.

NUMBER #2. Ethanol based on CORN has 72% of the ENERGY CONTENT of Gasoline. Biodiesel based on SOY has 94% of the ENERGY CONTENT of Diesel.

Both Ethanol and Biodiesel will provide significantly more benefits as they are made with more waste materials and sustainable crops.

What is the difference between Biodiesel and other alternative fuels?

Please see our"Fuel Comparison Chart."

Should I convert my diesel engine to run Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO)?

No, not everyone should convert to SVO. Even though some of the first diesel engines burned unadulterated peanut oil, much has changed in engine design since then. We now have to lower the viscosity (thickness) of the oil to work efficiently in today's diesel engine. We can accomplish this by modifying the vegetable oil (turning it into biodiesel through a chemical reaction) or by modifying the vehicle (via an SVO conversion kit that heats the vegetable oil to a suitable viscosity). Obviously, we can reach the most people with the first option. But, there are other reasons not to use SVO. It still contains glycerol, which burns dirty and can leave deposits in the injection chambers. Additionally, SVO still needs to be de-watered, filtered and heated prior to fill-up, requiring equipment, energy, and time. By the way, filtering SVO is extremely tedious work. Other problems include a complete lack of standards and little scientific testing.

Is Biodiesel classified as a hazardous material?

No. According to the Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 34, Section 3402) it is a Class IIIB combustible liquid, not a flammable.

Does Biodiesel burn cleaner?

Yes, Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel. Of the major exhaust pollutants, both unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides are ozone and smog forming precursors. The use of biodiesel results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons.

Emissions of nitrogen oxides are either slightly reduced or slightly increased depending on the duty cycle of the engine and testing methods used. Based on engine testing, using the most stringent emissions testing protocols required by EPA for certification of fuels or fuel additives in the U.S., the overall ozone forming potential of the speciated hydrocarbon emissions from biodiesel was nearly 50 percent less than that measured for diesel fuel.

Can Biodiesel help mitigate 'global warming'?

A 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, concluded biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. This is due to biodiesel's closed carbon cycle. The CO2 released into the atmosphere when biodiesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuel. These numbers are based on virgin soy oil. As higher percentages of recycled oils, animal fats and low-input alternative feedstocks used in biodiesel production, the closer biodiesel comes to carbon dioxide neutrality.

I thought NOx emissions increase?

Studies vary. Some laboratory research indicates slight increases in NOx by running biodiesel. Others find NOx neutral. Some claim that in "real-world driving conditions," NOx is decreased. Read more “Knocking the Knocks out of NOx”

For more on Biodiesel emissions and NOx, please request our fact sheet on this topic.

Will I get the same power and fuel economy running Biodiesel?

Yes. Biodiesel contains 7% fewer BTUs per gallon than petroleum diesel, which is practically unnoticeable in on-road use.

Is cold weather a problem in high percentage blends?

Yes. The B100 will begin to gel around freezing (between 32-36° F) and will clog fuel filters between 22-28° F. Gelled fuel melts when warmed. Fuel rarely gels while the engine is running and circulating fuel through the system. Cold morning startups are generally the only time that gelling becomes an issue. To ensure cold weather operability, we recommend taking precautions whenever temperatures are near freezing. There are three important actions you can take to continue using biodiesel in temperatures below freezing: add heat, add petroleum, or add a winterizing additive. The easiest cold weather solutions seem to be a blend or, if you'd rather not add petro, you could use a cold flow additive.

Biodiesel is not sustainable and consumes more energy than it produces.

Wrong. Even using soybeans, the main source for biodiesel nationally, yields about 3.2 units of energy for every unit consumed according to a 1998 National Renewable Energy Laboratory study. A more recent 2005 study of energy balance by the University of Idaho demonstrates a slightly higher energy balance of 1:3.8. These energy balance numbers are based on soy crops. Many alternative feedstocks can be used for biodiesel production such as animal fats, inedible kitchen greases and experimental algae that dramatically increase the energy balance and carbon sequestration ratios. In some cases, waste grease can provide 1:7 or as high as 1:10 energy balance ratio.

A 2005 Cornell University study, known as the “Pimentel and Patzek Report,” however, maintains that producing ethanol and biodiesel from corn and other crops uses more fuel than it generates. This report was based on out-dated facts, did not compare all the energy inputs equally and focused on soy rather than more energy efficient feedstocks such as waste vegetable oil. More data can be provided that adequately debunks this report.

Fossil fuels have been sequestered underground for millions of years. We release the CO2 to our present-day atmosphere when we burn these fuels.

Plant based fuels are part of the current carbon cycle. And actually some respected researchers report that if you include the biofuels from waste resource or stalks, roots, etc. in the equation, which are returned to the soil or used as solid fuel, you get an overall CO2 reduction of 3-4 times...so-called "net positive" --better than carbon-neutral.

Biodiesel burns hydrocarbons and releases carbon dioxide.

A US study has found that biodiesel production and use, in comparison to petroleum diesel, produces 78.5% less CO2 emissions. Carbon dioxide is “taken up” by the annual production of crops such as soybeans and then released when vegetable oil based biodiesel is combusted.

For more on Biodiesel emissions, please see our "Greenhouse Gas information " on this topic.

Biodiesel increases emissions.

The Environmental Protection Agency's 2002 study found pure biodiesel produces a 10 percent increase in nitrogen oxide, a chief contributor to smog. More recent data (See "Knocking the Knocks out of NOx") suggests that the answer is not so simple. Neat biodiesel (B100) also offers a 47 percent drop in particulate matter and a 67 percent decrease in unburned hydrocarbons. In addition, sulfur oxides and sulfates -- which contribute to acid rain -- are practically eliminated. Overall, an environmental win.

For more on Biodiesel emissions and NOx, please see our "Fact Sheets" on these topics.

There is not enough feedstock to supply our diesel needs.

The answer, at least for now, is YES. According to Jeff Schafer of EcoWorld, even if a fairly high-yielding biofuel crop were planted all over the world, yielding 1,000 barrels of oil per year per square mile, and even if this biofuel were grown on every available scrap of farmland on earth, we would only replace 20% of the energy we're currently getting from crude oil. He says that, "the algebra is immutable - about 10% of the world's land area consists of arable farmland, about 5.7 million square miles. If 100% of that land was planted with biofuel crops yielding 1,000 barrels of oil per square mile, each year that would produce 5.7 billion barrels of biofuel. But world consumption of crude oil currently stands at 85 million barrels per day, which equates to 31 billion barrels per year."

Biofuel will greatly supplement crude oil supplies, and is an important part of future energy solutions, but that's as far as it goes. Of course, algae and fuels from our waste streams are not factored into these calculations.

If 1% biodiesel was blended with the national on-road diesel fuel pool, over 600 million gallons of biodiesel would be required. There are presently 200 companies who have invested millions of private dollars into the development of the biodiesel manufacturing plants and are actively marketing biodiesel. Based on existing dedicated biodiesel processing capacity and long-term production agreements, over 1 billion gallons of biodiesel capacity currently exists. In addition, many dedicated biodiesel processing facilities are capable of doubling their production capacity within 18 months.

According to an April 2007 Science News article intitled, Farm-Fuel Feedback: Soybeans have advantages over corn:

"A new analysis of two commercial biofuels finds that while both provide more energy than they consume, soybean biodiesel gives more bang for the buck than ethanol made from corn does.

Corn-grain ethanol and soybean biodiesel are the two major alternative transportation fuels in the United States. The biofuels can replace gasoline and diesel, respectively. A team of Minnesota ecologists and economists set out to add up all the energy and environmental costs and benefits of the two food-based biofuels.

The researchers included the energy required to grow the crops, run farm machinery, manufacture fertilizers and pesticides, transport the crops, and transform the raw material into fuel. They also considered the environmental impact of the added fertilizers and pesticides.

Both biofuels yield energy, but with corn-based ethanol, "it takes so much energy to grow the corn and convert it into a fuel, you don't gain very much energy in the overall process," says ecologist David Tilman at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. While ethanol provides 25 percent more energy than it consumes, the energy gain for soybean biodiesel is 93 percent. Various steps in making ethanol, such as distillation, are energy intensive.

Corn also needs more fertilizer and pesticides than soybeans do. Per unit of energy gained, biodiesel requires 1 percent of the nitrogen, 8.3 percent of the phosphorus, and 13 percent of the pesticides that corn-derived ethanol does. Meanwhile, producing and using ethanol from corn decreases greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent, compared with making and burning gasoline. But soybean biodiesel results in 41 percent less of those emissions than diesel does, the researchers report in the July 25 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"The goal wasn't to pick a winner or loser," says Tilman. Instead, the team intends the new information to be a guide "to help formulate better biofuels for the future."

The new analysis points out that even if all the U.S. corn and soybean crops became biofuels, they would still satisfy only 12 percent of the country's gasoline demand and 6 percent of its diesel demand. "Using foods for biofuels has been a very good way to demonstrate that biofuels are a viable product," says Tilman, but to meet energy needs in the long term, "we need non–food-based crops."

For example, converting prairie grasses to ethanol could provide a larger energy gain than corn does and would cost less environmentally, he says. The grasses can be grown on abandoned agricultural lands and need little or no fertilizer or pesticides.

Daniel M. Kammen of the University of California, Berkeley, who studies energy resources, says that the Minnesota team has done "neat work." He agrees that ethanol from nonfood sources is more promising. However, he says that "the U.S. is awash in corn, and some of that could and should be used" as biofuel.

Biodiesel voids the warranty.

No.

OEMs provide a material and workmanship warranty on their products. Such warranties do not cover damage caused by external conditions, such as fuel. Thus, if an engine using biodiesel experiences a failure unrelated to the biodiesel use, it must be covered by the OEM’s warranty. Federal law prohibits the voiding of a warranty just because biodiesel was used—it has to be the cause of the failure. If an engine experiences a failure caused by biodiesel (or any other external condition, such as bad diesel fuel), it will not be covered by the OEM’s warranty.

The Magnusson-Moss Act (Title 15, Chapter 50 of the US Code) is the letter of the law. Hopefully you won't need any strategies for disputing unlawful warranty denials.

The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) do issue warranty concerns around biodiesel. OEMs allow up to a B5, however, more and more of the individual manufacturers, such as CAT and New Holland, allow higher level blends. The trend is moving toward B20 and beyond.

Low level Biodiesel blends are not as good as B100.

Actually, performance and lubricity benefits can be found with as little as 1% biodiesel blended with 99% diesel fuel. A 1% biodiesel blend will add 65% of the lost lubricity back into the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).

Importantly, environmental benefits are weighted so that more dramatic pollution reductions are found in the first 20 percent of biodiesel than the last 20%. In other words, 5 cars driving B20 is better for the environment than 1 car running B100. Issues such as cold flow, safety, and threat of clean-up are mitigated with 20% blends as well.

Finally, warranty concerns from OEM are totally eliminated with lower blend levels.

Biodiesel places undue pressure on food supplies therefore driving up costs and competing for resources.

No, increasing demand will not drive up food prices because oil-crops do not compete with food crops.

Biodiesel crops are commonly used as "cover crops." Cover crops are used between growing cycles and other crops in order to maintain the health of the soil, control weeds and protect the other crops' seedlings.

Various biodiesel crops can be grown on marginal land that is not currently utilized for food production. One example is Canola that can be grown on lands contaminated by high levels of selenium.

Many oils used for biodiesel production are byproducts of crops grown for high-value food purposes such as animal feed.

Other renewable feedstocks are obtained from agricultural waste products such as cotton seed and waste grease from restaurants.

I don't own a diesel car so Biodiesel production and use does not benefit me.

The reduction of our dependence of a 100% imported fuel and the introduction of a renewable technology benefits the entire country. Almost all of your goods arrive on boat, train or truck—all have the potential of using biodiesel and biodiesel blends. The range of benefits include:

* Growth in rural economies.

* Reduced dependence on imported fuel.

* Improvement in US balance of trade.

* Massive reduction in greenhouse emissions.

* Reduction of sulfur dioxide, one of the main causes of acid rain.

* Reduction of other cancer causing emissions such as benzene.

* Cheaper fuel.

Industry Resources

The National Biodiesel Board is a great place to start.

Also be sure to read the NREL 2006 Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines

Who can answer my questions?

Our Community Fuels Frequently Asked Questions should help you clarify most of your concerns. In addition, our Links will take you to websites that have a very broad range of topics and interests. You can contact us via email at info@communityfuels.com or by calling Community Fuels at (760) 942-9306.