Biodiesel is the name given to a clean-burning alternative to diesel fuel. It is produced from a broad range of renewable resources including soybean oil, animal fats and recycled cooking grease.

Biodiesel is the first and only EPA-designated advanced biofuel in commercial-scale production across the country and can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.

Biodiesel can be used alone, or blended with petroleum diesel in any proportions.

 

Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level to create a biodiesel blend. 

When biodiesel is blended with petroleum, it becomes a biodiesel blend. It is often labeled with the amount of biodiesel found in the fuel, B20 for example is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. 

Yes. The technical definition for biodiesel is ASTM D 6751 which reads:  

Biodiesel, n - a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D 6751. 

No. Biodiesel goes through a process called transesterification to remove glycerin from the oil. Fuel-grade biodiesel must meet the strict industry standards of ASTM D 6751 in order to insure proper performance.

The National Biodiesel Board has released the following production volume estimates for the US, per calendar year.

 

Bioheat® fuel is a blend of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil. It is a simple choice and a smart solution that results in a better fuel for your home and the environment. Bioheat® fuel blends are the future of heating oil and are taking the industry by storm. Dealers today are commonly delivering Bioheat® fuel blends from as little as B2 all the way up to even B100. Heating customers should consult their fuel dealer on the benefits of each, and on what type of Bioheat® fuel blend is best for their home. More information can be found at www.mybioheat.com.

Biodiesel is a diesel fuel replacement, made from excess renewable fats and oils. Using a production process known as “transesterification”, these feedstocks are converted into a class of compounds known as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) (refer to the definition above).

Renewable Diesel is a fuel that utilizes the same renewable feedstocks used to produce biodiesel, with a production process more like diesel fuel production. These processes yield compounds that are chemically indistinguishable from petroleum diesel fuel.

While these two fuels are distinctly different, each offers performance improvements over the use of petroleum, such as the reduction of at least 50% greenhouse gas emissions.  

After millions of miles on the road, biodiesel has proven itself as a reliable renewable fuel. It diversifies the US fuel supply, supports American jobs and adds back to the US economy. 

Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and a fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

It also meets clean diesel standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). 

B100 has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Department of Transportation. 

 

Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or fuel system. 

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

Ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel specification is used. 

Biodiesel works seamlessly with existing infrastructure and vehicles. In fact, 78 percent of the diesel vehicles coming off the production lines today are approved for B20.

Among U.S. heavy-duty truck segments, every engine manufacturer supports B20 in their engines except Daimler’s Detroit Diesel, which remains at B5.

See your specific company’s policies: here.

Biodiesel is available nationwide and blends over 4 percent are required to be labeled at the pump. Look for the Black and Blue biodiesel sticker when filling up. Biodiesel can be purchased through distributors or at retail locations.

 

 

Yes. Biodiesel blends of up to B20 can be used in cold weather. Just like regular diesel, biodiesel can gel in cold temperatures, so precautions need to be taken. Find out more in the cold weather section of our Biodiesel Facts Sheets page.

Yes. Biodiesel is made from renewable by-products of food production and is the most diverse fuel in the world. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86%, gives back energy to the environment and reduces smog to make our air healthier to breathe.

Biodiesel returns energy to the environment. For every unit of fossil fuel required to make biodiesel, it returns 3.5 units of renewable energy. That’s the best of any U.S. fuel. 

No. Biodiesel is made from by-products, even soybean oil. Soybeans are grown primarily for meat production, the oil is what is left. Biodiesel has not caused changes in agriculture production. 

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a bipartisan policy passed in 2005 that requires certain volumes of renewable fuels to be used in our fuel supply. 

The law requires increasing volumes of advanced biofuels, such as biodiesel, each year.

It is meant to drive innovation and investment by providing stability for biofuels in the US. 

Biodiesel is America’s first and only commercially available advanced biofuel. To be named an advanced biofuel, renewable fuels must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas missions by at least 50 percent and must be manufactured from feedstocks meeting the definition of renewable biomass.