Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources.  It is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. 

Bio Diesel Renewable Fuel Source

Biodiesel is better for the environment, it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel.  In the USA it is made from renewable resources such as soybeans and since its introduction has reduced the US dependence on foreign oil and as well as contributing  to the US economy by creating additional manufacturing jobs.  Biodiesel can be manufactured from algae, vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant greases and it  it can be produced locally in most countries.

Biodiesel feedstock plants utilize photosynthesis to convert solar energy into chemical energy.  Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil.  Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the US 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.

Biodiesel Energy

Biodiesel has about 5–8% less energy density, but better lubricity and more complete combustion can make the output of a diesel engine only 2% less per volume compared to petrodiesel fuel usage.  

Biodiesel Engines

Biodiesel refers to a diesel-equivalent processed fuel derived from biological sources (such as vegetable oils) which can be used in unmodified diesel engine vehicles.  However, the engine components must be specially manufactured or modified to accommodate 100% pure biodiesel.  Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Some vehicle manufacturers are positive about the use of biodiesel, citing lower engine wear as one of the fuel's benefits.  In the UK many only maintain their engine warranties for use with maximum 5% biodiesel which is blended in with 95% conventional diesel. This position is generally considered by many to be very cautious.  Peugeot and Citroën are also exceptions to this 5% rule, in that they have both recently announced that their PSA HDi engine can run on 30% biodiesel. 

Blends of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel (B20) can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines. With the introduction of biodiesel in the UK, we will have a renewable fuel source, a reduction in our dependancy on  imported fuel and an oppotunity to  increase  manufacturing jobs.