ABOUT BIODIESEL

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a generic name for a diesel replacement fuel that is manufactured from biodegradable materials such as plant and tree oil, and animal fats.

How is it made?

Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification, whereby oils and fats (animal) are converted into two products: glycerine and biodiesel. Glycerine is a valuable co-product of the biodiesel manufacturing process that can be used to make soap or other products.
Biodiesel is a clean burning fuel alternative to petroleum diesel with many environmental benefits.

Environmental benefits of biodiesel:

• It reduces global warming gas emissions.
• It reduces tailpipe emissions, particularly the toxic components.
• It is essentially free of sulphur, so the emissions do not contribute to acid rain.
• It is non-toxic, biodegradable and suitable for sensitive environments.

Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel for use in compression-ignition (diesel) engines.

Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage.  The release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken, such as replacing a fuel filter. 

While its emissions profile is lower, biodiesel functions in the engine the same as petroleum diesel, maintaining payload capacity and range of diesel.

It has a higher flashpoint, so it is safer to store and transport.
Ensure that you only use biodiesel that complies with the Australian Diesel Fuel Standard and Australian Biodiesel Fuel Standard.

Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel.
In a blend, the number following the “B” indicates the percentage of biodiesel, for example B20 has 20% biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel, B5 is 5% biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel.

Starting in Europe, the production and use of biodiesel has developed and become well established in many parts of the world. Annual consumption in Europe is about 3 billion litres.

Initial production in Europe included rapeseed oil (canola), whereas manufacturers in the US used soybean oil. Whilst in Asia, palm oil is the principal feedstock. Further developments have seen the use of animal fats and used cooking oils.
In 2001, the Australian Government set an objective that biofuels would contribute at least 350 million litres to the total fuel supply by 2010. It is anticipated that biodiesel will be an important component of this volume.

In New Zealand, the mandated introduction of biofuels will commence in 2008, with the aim of 3.4% of the total fuel sold in New Zealand to be biofuel by 2012.