What is biodiesel

Biodiesel uses renewable raw materials from oil bearing seeds like rapeseed, soya, palm, sunflower, and cottonseed. However, biodiesel is also manufactured from low-grade, waste materials such as used cooking oils and  animal fats. Biodiesel achieves a reduction in CO2 emissions throughout its lifecycle, from 40% to 85%,  depending on the first material from which it originates.

Biodiesel can complement diesel fuel in any proportion and can be used without any engine modification.  Biodiesel is used as a direct substitute for mineral diesel either in pure form (called B100) or as a blend.

An important advantage is that biodiesel can be incorporated by a fuel consumer without any problem in the existing distribution infrastructure (tanks, pipelines, pumps and other plants). Its higher flashpoint means it is safer than mineral oil diesel to store and transport.

 

Biodiesel is a fully renewable fuel because the feedstock used is not finite as mineral oil. Apart from conventional sources already new alternatives feedstocks are exploited.  Used cooking oils, animal fats are already a very important percentage of the raw materials used.

But already next generation feedstocks are increasing in importance like jatropha oil (that comes from a plant that can grow in harsh conditions and produce non-edible oil) and algae oil (which is a huge future source of biodiesel raw material).

Europe is the biggest biodiesel market worldwide, where more than eight billion liters are consumed annually.


Biodiesel Specifications


 
certification-pdfClick to see the Biodiesel Specifications standards