Biodiesel is a renewable fuel oil derived from biological sources. It is mainly vegetable oils and recycled cooking greases or oils, and it is a viable alternative to traditional petro-diesel for fuelling diesel engines.

Although on combustion it releases greenhouse gases it is described as carbon-neutral, since it is derived indirectly from living plant sources.

Biodiesel can also be manufactured from animal oils and greases, which doesn’t give it the carbon neutral status, however as these oils and greases are normally discarded then taking them out of the waste stream and converting them to a fuel has obvious, substantial environmental benefits.

The benefits of this sustainable fuel are incredible: Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) by approximately 50 % and carbon dioxide by 78 % on a net lifecycle basis. In addition, the fuel is safe - as it is only combustible, not flammable or explosive. Biodiesel is also biodegradable - 98% within 21 days, is also non-toxic and does not have an offensive, choking smell when used.

Frequently biodiesel is combined with petro-diesel, with blends of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel generally being used in unmodified diesel engines. Biodiesel can also be used in its pure form, but it may require certain engine modifications.

Although currently more expensive to produce than petro-diesel, it is believed that large scale production and acceptance would be bound to reduce costs, and with the prospect of inflated petroleum prices always on the horizon, in future the price differential may not be a major issue.

Biodiesel can be distributed using today's infrastructure, and its use and production are increasing rapidly. Fuel stations are beginning to make biodiesel available to consumers, and a growing number of transport fleets use it as an additive in their fuel.

Click here for more information on Biodiesel Filling Stations