Biofuel

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative to petroleum diesel fuel. Please note I said “a”, not “the.” Moving from petroleum diesel and expanding on biodiesel, and other forms of alternative energy, is simply a first step in loosening the addictive grip petroleum products have not just on the U.S. but on the world.

Biodiesel is produced from many different plant and animal stocks and is cleaner burning than petro-diesel. In some cases biodiesel can replace petro-diesel but in most cases it is used as a supplement. Biodiesel’s greater lubricity not only can prolong engine life it also emits fewer toxins into the air.

Soybean oil, canola oil, used vegetable oil and even renderings from animal fat are being used to make biodiesel. Other feedstocks are being researched.

But isn’t diesel smelly and polluting? Not any more. The new generation of diesel engines produce better torque and provide more energy to drive than similar horsepower gasoline powered vehicles in many cases.

So why isn’t biodiesel in wider use today? First, product availability is limited to fairly small areas in the U.S. right now but that is changing as more diesel owners are seeing the benefits of using biodiesel in their vehicles. Second, there are some challenges to using biodiesel in cold climates where it gels and clogs fuel filters in cold weather. Research is ongoing to solve this problem and for the time being it can be blended with petro-diesel.

Biodiesel’s future depends on owner education, steady supplies of feedstocks like soybean and canola oil, competitive pricing of biodiesel to petro-diesel and cooperation between biodiesel producers and the current delivery resources. Many large fleets throughout the U.S. are utilizing biodiesel with good performance and lower maintenance cost.