Biodiesel is a kind of renewable biofuel. It is a clean-burning fuel that can be used to power diesel-powered engines. Biodiesel is made from animal fats, as well as from agricultural oils. The biodiesel that is used to power vehicles is made to fuel quality, and it can also give an engine performance standards that can be used in diesel engines without it having to undergo any modifications. Biodiesel can be used just on its own, or it can be blended with petrol-diesel. Waste oils and cooking oils can also be recycled to be usable biodiesel also, which in turn reduces the waste in the environment and make a reusable product. Experts believe that the use of biodiesel can reduce the dependence on petroleum. In this article, we are going to list down some interesting facts about biodiesel.
- Biodiesel is made by undergoing a process called transesterification. This process involves separating glycerin from fat or oil, which results in glycerin and methyl esters, the latter is now used as a biodiesel.
- Biodiesel is a renewable energy source, and it can be produced locally in several countries all around the world.
- Biodiesel can power engines while being able to produce about 60 percent less carbon dioxide emission.
- Biodiesel tends to be more expensive compared to petrol-diesel. Still, in some places like Germany, it is cheaper than regular diesel.
- If biodiesel spills, it does not results in pollution compared to other types of fuel. This is because biodiesel is biodegradable and Sulphur-free.
- Biodiesel can also be used in solvents and as a paint remover.
- Biodiesel is non-toxic, which means that it can help to increase air quality, especially in places where it is used to replace petrodiesel.
- Biodiesel is the only fuel source that passed the health effect testing requirements in the United States. This is because research probed that biodiesel is non-toxic, biodegradable and has no threat to human health.
- Biodiesel can be made from different kinds of plants such as sunflowers, canola, palm, hemp, mustard, flax, soy, camelina, jatropha, and mahua.
- Biodiesel can also be made with tall oils, algae, sheep and beef tallow, pork lard, and even poultry fat.
- Biodiesel is considered to be a much better lubricant compare to conventional diesel fuel. Plus, it also helps the extent of the life of an engine. In fact, there is a German truck that took home a Guinness Book of World Records because he traveled for more than 1.25 million kilometers or 780,000 meters with its original engine that is fueled by biodiesel.
- Research shows that using biodiesel saves a lot of money in the long run because of the reduced need for engine repairs, maintenance, and lost downtime. Which is why it is a perfect choice for cars and trucks that needs to be on the road all the time.
- Since biodiesel is a domestically-produced fuel, it can reduce the demand for fossil fuel hence helping to reduce a nation’s energy security. Research shows that biodiesel helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 86 percent compared to petroleum diesel.
- Since 2012, biodiesel consumption in the United States has increased by up to 117 percent.
- In Europe, particularly in Germany, biodiesel is used by millions of car owners. Biodiesel has a market share of nearly 3 percent of the German diesel fuel market. It has slowly become one of the most preferred alternative fuels in the country, and research shows that it will continue to grow.
- If people continue the deforestation and monoculture farming process to grow and produce biofuel crops, then experts say that making will become a severe threat to the environment.
The performance of biodiesel in the market is expected to grow. This is because from several hundred million gallons every year to over one billion gallons since 2010, experts see the outstanding performance of biodiesel in the market.