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WHAT IS BIODIESEL

Benefits to the environment

Biodiesel is environmentally sound, especially when made from waste vegetable oils, because the process is carbon neutral. It produces fewer greenhouse gases in use, particularly in respect of carbon dioxide emissions in comparison with fossil fuel, and does not emit the sulphur dioxide associated with acid rain. A century ago, the diesel engine was developed and run on vegetable oil, so this is long-proven technology.

Many fleet operators now realise that, by changing to biodiesel, they are enhancing their organisation’s reputation of care for the environment at a time when it really matters.

Recycling used vegetable oil creates a market for what would otherwise be a waste product.

Biodiesel is safer than petroleum diesel to store and handle, and the product is biodegradable. No engine modifications are necessary in order to use biodiesel – whether used undiluted or mixed in standard proportions with petroleum diesel. Most modern diesel cars, vans and lorries on the road today can simply incorporate biodiesel at the next fill, and immediately take advantage of all the benefits. The product does not need to be disposed of in any particular way, so accidental spillage will not cause any problems.

Biodiesel - a better buy

Biodiesel, even at relatively low levels, gives better ignition and combustion, and enables the diesel engine to run more smoothly than it would on mineral-based diesel alone. Currently the B5 fuel grade – a proportion of 5% biodiesel to 95% petrol diesel, is the smallest recommended amount. Even this will improve the overall lubricity of the mix. The B20 fuel grade, which adds 20% of biodiesel by volume, will have a

significant impact. This grade is considered to give optimum performance all year round. Vehicles running on B100 are doing so on pure biodiesel.

Using a B5 mix will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by one million tonnes of carbon a year.