More info on Wikipedia
Quick Facts
- An alternative renewable fuel which reduces CO2 emissions by 78 percent.
- From 1999 to 2006 US biodiesel use went from 500,000 to 250 million gallons.
- Used in diesel engines without major engine modifications.
- Glycerin, the major biproduct of production, can be used to make soaps.
- Produced through a process known as transesterification.
Expert summary
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from vegetable oils or animal fats which can be used in diesel engines. G. Chavanne of the University of Brussels was granted a patent in 1937 for the process which is considered to be the first detailed account of producing what is now called biodiesel. Bioiesel is made by taking the triglycerides in the oils and fats and then replacing the glycerine with methanol to form fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Use of biodiesel is on the rise because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions than petroleum. As of 2008 biodiesel was the only alternative fuel to fully complete the health effects testing required by the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.
Recommended content by 4 experts
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Biodiesel Magazine
Great online magazine about all things biodiesel. Has feature articles about developments worldwide. Covers political, scientific, and business developments in biodiesel. -
Make Your Own Biodiesel
This site tells anyone how to make their own biodiesel successfully and save money. A great guide to a high degree of individual energy independence. -
European Biodiesel Board
The website for the European Biodiesel Board which promotes the use of biodiesel in the EU. The EBB also works to connect the different biodiesel producers together.
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Willy Nelson Promotes Biodiesel
Willy Nelson video promotes using renewable biodiesel as an alternative fuel which is good for the environment and local farmers. -
Trucks! Episode about Biodiesel
This Trucks! show tries out biodiesel fuel in a truck to show that the alternative fuel performs just as well on the road as normal petroleum fuel. -
How to Make Bio-fuel
Video of an average guy who discovered biodiesel as being an excellent alternative fuel. The video then shows how to make the bio fuel.
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Ferrari F430 Spider Bio Fuel
Photograph of the Ferrari F430 Spider Bio Fuel concept car which runs on E85 biofuel (or 85 percent biodiesel and 15 percent petroleum diesel). -
Biodiesel Plant
Here is a photo of a biodiesel plant. Here you can see where they make this alternative fuel. Don't forget that you can make your own at home! -
Graz Biodiesel Public Transportation
Picture of one of the buses in the City of Graz whose municipal public transport fleet runs on 100% biodiesel.
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Biodiesel: Growing a New Energy Economy
Well researched book about the history of biodiesel. The author has gone to the trouble of interviewing many experts on biodiesel. Informational and inspires the reader to change habits. -
From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank
The Fryer to the Fuel Tank is more of a howto style book about running on bio-diesel. It also has history and basic information about bio-diesel. -
Biodiesel Basics and Beyond
This book by renewable energy advocate William Kemp explains the facts about biodiesel for individuals, farmers, and manufacturers. Great guide from North American viewpoint.
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