What is in biodiesel?
Biodiesel is made through a chemical reaction between natural oils and alcohol, followed by purification. Biodiesel can be made from nearly any naturally occurring vegetable oil or fat. The most frequently used oils by Biogreen Diesel facilities are used cooking oil, poultry fat.
Biodiesel and vegetable oil? What is the difference?
No, biodiesel is produced through a chemical process called trans-esterification which converts oils and fats of natural origin into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Combustion of vegetable oil without conversion to biodiesel will lead to soot accumulation and deposits that may lead to power loss and engine failure.
I heard I need to modify my car? Do I need to do anything to change my diesel vehicle to use biodiesel?
If your car was made after 1993, the answer is no. If your car was made prior to 1993, the rubber fuel lines will probably have to be replaced. One of the major advantages of using biodiesel is the fact that it can be used in existing diesel engines without negative impacts to operating performance. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel for heavyweight vehicles that does not require any special injection or storage modifications.
Can biodiesel work in my petrol engine?
No, biodiesel can only run in conventional compression-ignition (diesel) engines! Diesel and Biodiesel. Can I swap between them? Yes, you can use biodiesel and diesel fuel interchangeably, as well as blended.
I heard that my fuel filters need to be changed more often when using biodiesel? Biodiesel is a solvent. It will clear many diesel deposits that have accumulated in your fuel tank. This may cause initial fuel filter clogging but continued use of biodiesel will not cause an increased frequency of filter changes.
Fuel efficiency of biodiesel in comparison with mineral diesel?
Vehicles running on biodiesel get virtually the same MPG rating as vehicles running on mineral diesel.
Is biodiesel good for my engine?
Yes, biodiesel can actually extend the life of your engine. Biodiesel has superior lubricating properties that reduce the wear of vital engine parts.
What is the difference in emissions of biodiesel and mineral diesel?
Using biodiesel instead of mineral diesel will significantly reduce unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter from exhaust emissions. It will also virtually eliminate sulphur oxides and sulphates which are major contributors to acid rain. Nitrogen oxide emissions may slightly increase, but can be remedied with newer low-emission diesel engines. Around 400 Litres of Biodiesel displaces 1 Ton of Carbon emissions.
Where in SA can I find a pump that has Biodiesel?
Currently there are no retail pumps in South Africa, but watch this space.
Does biodiesel contain diesel fuel?
B100 (100% biodiesel) does not contain mineral diesel. Different blends with mineral diesel and is frequently sold as B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% mineral diesel blend) or B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% mineral diesel blend).
01. About Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel created from vegetable oils, animal fats, through a chemical process. The chemical process involves reaction of natural oils with an alcohol, and then refining the mixture to create molecules which can be easily burned in a diesel engine. Biodiesel fuel can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with Mineral Diesel at any level. Even a blend of 20% bio- and 80% Mineral Diesel will significantly reduce carcinogenic emissions and gases that may contribute to global warming. Glycerin is the byproduct of the biodiesel production process, and can be used in personal care products or a variety of chemical applications.
> back to top
01.1. History of Biodiesel
Developed in the 1890s by inventor Rudolph Diesel, the diesel engine has become the engine of choice for power, reliability, and high fuel economy, worldwide. Early experimenters on vegetable oil fuels included the French government and Dr. Diesel himself, who envisioned that pure vegetable oils could power early diesel engines for agriculture in remote areas of the world, where petroleum was not available at the time. Modern biodiesel fuel, which is made by converting vegetable oils into compounds called fatty acid methyl esters, has its roots in research conducted in the 1930s in Belgium, but today’s biodiesel industry was not established in Europe until the late 1980s.
The diesel engine was developed out of a desire to improve upon inefficient, cumbersome and sometimes dangerous steam engines of the late 1800s. The diesel engine works on the principal of compression ignition, in which fuel is injected into the engine’s cylinder after air has been compressed to a high pressure and temperature. As the fuel enters the cylinder it self-ignites and burns rapidly, forcing the piston back down and converting the chemical energy in the fuel into mechanical energy. Dr. Rudolph Diesel, for which the engine is named, holds the first patent for the compression ignition engine, issued in 1893. Diesel became known worldwide for his innovative engine which could use a variety of fuels.
> back to top
01.2. Early Work
The early diesel engines had complex injection systems and were designed to run on many different fuels, from kerosene to coal dust. It was only a matter of time before someone recognized that, because of their high energy content, vegetable oils would make excellent fuel. The first public demonstration of vegetable oil based diesel fuel was at the 1900 World’s Fair, when the French government commissioned the Otto company to build a diesel engine to run on peanut oil. The French government was interested in vegetable oils as a domestic fuel for their African colonies. Rudolph Diesel later did extensive work on vegetable oil fuels and became a leading proponent of such a concept, believing that farmers could benefit from providing their own fuel. However, it would take almost a century before such an idea became a widespread reality. Shortly after Dr. Diesel’s death in 1913 petroleum became widely available in a variety of forms, including the class of fuel we know today as “diesel fuel”. With petroleum being available and cheap, the diesel engine design was changed to match the properties of Mineral Diesel fuel. The result was an engine which was fuel efficient and very powerful. For the next 80 years diesel engines would become the industry standard where power, economy and reliability are required.
> back to top
01.3. Modern Engine, Modern Fuel
Due to the widespread availability and low cost of Mineral Diesel fuel, vegetable oil-based fuels gained little attention, except in times of high oil prices and shortages. World War II and the oil crises of the 1970’s saw brief interest in using vegetable oils to fuel diesel engines. Unfortunately, the newer diesel engine designs could not run on traditional vegetable oils, due to the much higher viscosity of vegetable oil compared to Mineral Diesel fuel. A way was needed to lower the viscosity of vegetable oils to a point where they could be burned properly in the diesel engine. Many methods have been proposed to perform this task, including pyrolysis, blending with solvents, and even emulsifying the fuel with water or alcohols, none of which have provided a suitable solution. It was a Belgian inventor in 1937 who first proposed using transesterification to convert vegetable oils into fatty acid alkyl esters and use them as a diesel fuel replacement. The process of transesterification converts vegetable oil into three smaller molecules which are much less viscous and easy to burn in a diesel engine. The transesterification reaction is the basis for the production of modern biodiesel, which is the trade name for fatty acid methyl esters. In the early 1980s concerns over the environment, energy security, and agricultural overproduction once again brought the use of vegetable oils to the forefront, this time with transesterification as the preferred method of producing such fuel replacements.
> back to top
01.4. Biodiesel Goes Worldwide
South Africa and Europe pioneered research, furthered development of the biodiesel fuel industry in the early 1990s. Biogreen Diesel is one of the first biodiesel plants in South Africa, establishing a biodiesel production operation to recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel in their first plant in Cape Town. The biodiesel industry became a household name worldwide after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, which resulted in historically high oil prices and an increased awareness of energy security. As of 2005, worldwide biodiesel production had reached 4.16 Billion Litres, with most fuel being produced in the European Union, although biodiesel projects worldwide have been on the rise due to rising crude oil prices and concerns over global warming.
> back to top
01.5. The Future of Biodiesel Fuel
Creating biodiesel in a sustainable manner, will allow this clean, renewable, and cost effective fuel to help ease the world through increasing shortages of petroleum, while providing economic and environmental benefits well into the 21st century. Due to its clean emissions profile, ease of use, and many other benefits, biodiesel is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing alternative fuels in the world. With minimal subsidy biodiesel is cost competitive with Mineral Diesel, and millions of users have found and enjoyed the benefits of the fuel. The future of biodiesel lies in the world’s ability to produce renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils and fats to keep the cost of biodiesel competitive with petroleum, without supplanting land necessary for food production, or destroying natural ecosystems in the process.
> back to top
01.6. WHAT IS BIODIESEL
- Biodiesel is biodegradable.
- Biodiesel does not require modifications to a diesel engine to be used.
- Biodiesel is a clean burning renewable fuel made using natural vegetable oils and fats.
- Biodiesel is made through a chemical process which converts oils and fats of natural origin into fatty acid methyl esters. Biodiesel IS NOT vegetable oil.
- Biodiesel is intended to be used as a replacement for Mineral Diesel fuel, or can be blended with Mineral Diesel fuel in any proportion.
- Biodiesel has reduced exhaust emissions compared to Mineral Diesel fuel.
- Biodiesel has lower toxicity compared to Mineral Diesel fuel.
- Biodiesel is safer to handle compared to Mineral Diesel fuel.
Biodiesel is NOT!
Be Careful! Majority of companies and groups improperly use the word biodiesel to describe diesel fuel replacement products they have developed. This creates significant confusion for consumers looking to purchase and use biodiesel. Some of these alternatives have not been properly tested and could lead to damage to vehicles. Below is some information to help distinguish real biodiesel from imposters.
Biodiesel is NOT:
- A vegetable oil.
- Vegetable oil diluted with solvents, i.e. diesel fuel or alcohols.
- Vegetable oil with additives or enzymes to make it run better.
- Vegetable oil refined through a conventional oil refinery process.
- Vegetable oil refined through thermal depolymerization (renewable diesel).
- A Fuel that requires costly modifications to your diesel engine (straight vegetable oil).
- Methyl esters (Crude Oil) which have not been refined or minimally refined.
Biodiesel is the only tested fuel, none of the fluids listed above have undergone renewable fuel certification, emissions or toxicity testing, or long-term reliability testing in engines and vehicles.
> back to top
01.7. How to Make Sure You are Getting Biodiesel
In order to be called biodiesel and receive Fuel levy credits specifically intended for biodiesel:
- Biodiesel must be produced from naturally occurring fats and oils using transesterification.
- Biodiesel must be composed of fatty acid methyl esters.
- Biodiesel must be refined to remove all trace impurities.
- Biodiesel must meet “Specification for Biodiesel (B100)”.
If a fuel product does not meet these requirements it IS NOT biodiesel, and does not qualify for fuel levy relating to biodiesel. The most important thing to ask your fuel provider is if the biodiesel Spec.
> back to top
02. Biodiesel Benefits
Biodiesel’s benefit to industry is not to replace mineral diesel, but to help government policy with the most benefit to South Africa. Biodiesel is one of several alternative fuels designed to extend the usefulness of petroleum, and the longevity and cleanliness of diesel engines.
The latest technologies deliver benefits to multiple interests, including an improved economy, and a positive impact on the environment and governmental policies. The ultimate goal is to contribute to building a stronger, more self-sufficient community by way of a community-based biodiesel production model. A community-based biodiesel distribution program benefits local economies, from the farmers growing the feedstock to local businesses producing and distributing the fuel to the end consumer. The money stays in the community while reducing impact on the local environment and increasing energy security.
> back to top
02.1. Learn More
The links below provide more in depth information on the benefits of biodiesel.
02.1.1. Easy To Use
No vehicle modifications or special fueling equipment — just pump and go. More...
02.1.2. Power, Performance and Economy
Proven performance and economy make biodiesel a renewable winner.
More...
02.1.3. Emissions & Greenhouse Gas Reduction
With lower exhaust emissions biodiesel is helping to reduce pollution and improve health. Lower CO2 emissions help reduce the impacts of global warming.
More...
02.1.4. Energy Balance & Security
Biodiesel production and use at home, biodiesel helps reduce the need for foreign oil.
More...
02.1.5. Toxicity, Biodegradability, Safety & Recycling
Less toxic than table salt, biodiesel has minimal environmental impact. With a high flash point, biodiesel is safer to handle and store than Mineral Diesel. When made from used oils and fats, biodiesel helps ensure proper recycling of former waste products.
More...
02.1.6. Economic Development
Biodiesel helps communities by keeping energy dollars at home.
More...
> back to top
02.1.1. Easy To Use
One of the great advantages of biodiesel is that it can be used in existing engines, vehicles and infrastructure with practically no changes. Biodiesel can be pumped, stored and burned just like Mineral Diesel fuel, and can be used pure, or in blends with Mineral Diesel fuel in any proportion. Power and fuel economy using biodiesel is practically identical to Mineral Diesel fuel, and year round operation can be achieved by blending with diesel fuel.
Engine and Vehicles
All diesel engines and vehicles can use biodiesel or biodiesel blends. Certain older vehicles built before 1993 may require replacement of fuel lines which contain natural rubber, as biodiesel can cause these lines to swell or crack.
Blending and Switching with Diesel Fuel
Biodiesel can be used 100% (B100) or in blends with Mineral Diesel fuel. Blends are indicated by B##, which correspond to the percentage of biodiesel in the blended fuel. For example, a 20% blend of biodiesel with 80% diesel fuel is called B20. When biodiesel is first used in a vehicle, it may release fuel tank deposits which can lead to fuel filter plugging. After this initial period, a user can switch between biodiesel and Mineral Diesel whenever needed or desired, without modification.
Availability
The presence of biodiesel pumps at fueling stations across the country is nonexistent at the moment, but awareness grows daily.
> back to top
02.1.2. Power, Performance and Economy
Maximise your diesel economy
Many alternative fuels have difficulty gaining acceptance because they do not provide similar performance to their petroleum counterparts. Pure biodiesel and biodiesel blended with Mineral Diesel fuel provide very similar horsepower, torque, and fuel mileage compared to Mineral Diesel fuel. In its pure form, typical biodiesel will have an energy content 5%-10% lower than typical Mineral Diesel. However it should be noted that Mineral Diesel fuel energy content can vary as much as 15% from one supplier to the next. The lower energy content of biodiesel translates into slightly reduced performance when biodiesel is used in 100% form, although users typically report little noticeable change in mileage or performance. When blended with Mineral Diesel at B20 levels, there is less than 2% change in fuel energy content, with users typically reporting no noticeable change in mileage or economy.
Superior Lubrication for Your Engine
The injection system of many diesel engines relies on the fuel to lubricate its parts. The degree to which fuel provides proper lubrication is its lubricity. Low lubricity Mineral Diesel fuel can cause premature failure of injection system components and decreased performance. Biodiesel provides excellent lubricity to the fuel injection system. Recently, with the introduction of low sulfur and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, many of the compounds which previously provided lubricating properties to mineral diesel fuel have been removed. By blending biodiesel in amounts as little as 5%, the lubricity of ultra low sulfur diesel can be dramatically improved, and the life of an engine’s fuel injection system extended.
Biodiesel in Cold Weather
Just like Mineral Diesel fuel, biodiesel can gel in cold weather. The best way to use biodiesel during the colder months is to blend it with Mineral diesel fuel.
> back to top
02.1.3. Emissions & Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Emissions
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to successfully complete the EPA’s rigorous emissions and health effects study under the Clean Air Act. Biodiesel provides significantly reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons, and sulfates compared to Mineral Diesel fuel. Additionally, biodiesel reduces emissions of carcinogenic compounds by as much as 85% compared with mineral diesel. When blended with Mineral Diesel fuel, these emissions reductions are generally directly proportional to the amount of biodiesel in the blend.
Close Contact Benefits from the “Slap chip fuel”
The reduced particulate and unburned hydrocarbons emissions that result when using biodiesel are a welcome relief in environments where workers and pedestrians are in close proximity to diesel engines, including public transport, mining, and construction. In addition, when high blends of biodiesel are used, the exhaust from diesel engines is often described as smelling like fried food, which aside from causing increased hunger in those nearby, is a welcome relief from the smell of diesel fuel exhaust.
A Clean Alternative Fuel for New and Old Engines
Diesel engines have long had a reputation of being “dirty” engines. However, with the advent of newer diesel engines equipped with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), particulate filters, and catalytic converters, clean diesel technology provides incredible fuel efficiency with ultra low emissions levels. When coupled with the use of biodiesel, both new and old diesel engines can significantly reduce emissions, including particulate matter (black smoke).
A Closer Look at Emissions Reduction
Studies on biodiesel emissions have been conducted for almost 20 years. In that time biodiesel has undergone the most rigorous testing of any alternative fuel, having been the first and only fuel to be evaluated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act Section 211(b). This study examined the impact of hundreds of regulated and non-regulated exhaust emissions, as well as the potential health effects of these emissions. Some of these results are summarized below.
Average Exhaust Emissions for 100% Biodiesel Compared to Mineral Diesel Fuel* |
Regulated Exhaust Emissions B100 |
| Particulate Matter |
-47% |
| Carbon Monoxide |
-48% |
| Total Unburned Hydrocarbons |
-67% |
| Nitrogen Oxides |
+10% |
Non Regulated Emissions |
| Sulfates |
-100% |
| Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) |
-80% |
| Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (nPAH) |
-90% |
| Speciated Hydrocarbons Ozone Forming Potential |
-50% |
“A Comprehensive Analysis of Biodiesel Impacts on Exhaust Emissions”, http://www.epa.gov/otaq/models/analysis/biodsl/p02001.pdf
(This document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, click here to download the latest version.
> back to top
Explanation of Emission Types
Particulate Matter (Black Smoke)
Emissions of particulate matter have been linked to respiratory diseases and are generally considered to be a human health hazard. Emissions of particulate matter are reduced with biodiesel by 47%.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas. Reduced with biodiesel by 48%.
Total Unburned Hydrocarbons
Compounds which contribute to localized formation of smog. Reduced with biodiesel by 67%.
Nitrogen Oxides
Compounds which contribute to localized formation of smog. The average increase of Nitrogen oxide emissions from biodiesel is 0%-10%, depending upon the test used in obtaining the data.
Sulfates
Sulfates are major contributors to acid rain. These emissions are practically eliminated when using biodiesel.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH and nPAH)
These compounds have been identified as carcinogenic (cancer causing) compounds. Biodiesel reduces emissions of these compounds by up to 85% for PAH compounds and 90% for nPAH compounds.
Speciated Hydrocarbons
These compounds contribute to the formation of localized smog and ozone. The potential for smog formation from speciated hydrocarbons is reduced by 50% when using biodiesel.
> back to top
Life Cycle Reduction of CO2
Biodiesel helps reduce the risk of global warming by reducing net carbon emissions to the atmosphere. When biodiesel is burned, it releases carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, but crops which are used to produce biodiesel take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in their growth cycle. A joint study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Energy determined that biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere by 78.5% compared with Mineral Diesel fuel.3
3 Information from http://www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/fy98/24089.pdf
> back to top
02.1.4. Energy Balance & Security
Energy Balance
The energy balance of a fuel is a ratio of how much energy is required to produce, refine and distribute the fuel compared to the amount of energy the fuel releases when it is burned. This property is used to determine how “renewable” a fuel is. A higher ratio indicates a lower environmental impact, as less fossil energy is needed to produce, refine and distribute the fuel. Biodiesel has a very high energy balance compared to other alternative fuels. A joint study found that on average biodiesel releases 3.2 units of energy for every one unit of fossil fuel energy used to produce it*. For comparison, diesel fuel delivers only 0.83 units of energy for every unit of fossil fuel energy used to produce it.
Grown, Produced and Distributed Locally
Worldwide, energy security is becoming a hot topic in government and society. Nearly every country in the world depends on imports of various forms of fossil fuel energy, including oil, coal and natural gas. Without a steady supply of affordable energy a country’s economy grinds to a halt, with no fuel for transportation, energy to run power plants and factories, or heat homes. Biodiesel can improve energy security wherever it is produced in several ways:
Domestic Energy Crops
When crops used to produce biodiesel are grown in the country in which the fuel is consumed, each gallon of biodiesel displaces a gallon of imported crude oil, reducing a country’s dependence on foreign oil supplies.
Increased Refining Capacity
Biodiesel is produced in dedicated refineries which add to overall domestic refining capacity, eliminating the need to import expensive finished product from other countries.
Difficult Targets
When biodiesel is produced, distributed and used locally in a community based model it presents a much more difficult target for a potential terrorist attack than large centralized facilities like oil refineries or pipelines used in the petroleum industry.
In the United States, the biodiesel industry is supported by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) compliance strategy. This legislation allows EPAct-covered fleets (federal, state and public utility fleets) to meet their alternative fuel vehicle purchase requirements simply by buying 450 gallons of pure biodiesel, and burning it in new or existing diesel vehicles in at least a 20% blend with diesel fuel. The Congressional Budget Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have confirmed that the biodiesel option is the least-cost alternative fuel option for meeting the Federal government’s EPAct compliance requirements.
> back to top
02.1.5. Toxicity, Biodegradability, Safety & Recycling
Toxicity, Biodegradability, Safety & Recycling
Though it is uncommon for the average person to come into direct contact with fuels, occasional spills do occur, and the impact of the fuel on plants and animals must be considered. Biodiesel has been proven to be much less toxic than diesel fuel, and is readily biodegradable. These attributes make it less likely to harm the environment if an accidental spill occurred, and far less costly to repair damage and clean up.
Less Toxic than Table Salt
Being derived from vegetable oils, biodiesel is naturally non-toxic. The acute oral LD50 (lethal dose) of biodiesel is more than 17.4 g/Kg. By comparison table salt (NaCl) has an LD50 of 3.0g/Kg. This means that table salt is almost 6 times more toxic than biodiesel.4
Aquatic Impacts
In an aquatic environment, biodiesel is 15 times less toxic to common species of fish than diesel fuel.4
Biodegradability
In both soil and water, biodiesel degraded at a rate 4 times faster than regular diesel fuel, with nearly 80% of the carbon in the fuel being readily converted by soil and water borne organisms in as little as 28 day.4
* Peterson, Charles and Moller, Gregory. “Biodegradability, BOD4, COD and Toxicity of Biodiesel Fuels”, University of Idaho Biodiesel Education Program.
A Safe and Stable Fuel
Biodiesel is safer to handle than petroleum fuel because of its low volatility. Due to the high energy content of all liquid fuels, there is a danger of accidental ignition when the fuel is being stored, transported, or transferred. The possibility of having an accidental ignition is related in part to the temperature at which the fuel will create enough vapors to ignite, known as the flash point temperature. The lower the flash point of a fuel is, the lower the temperature at which the fuel can form a combustible mixture. For example, gasoline has a flash point of 4.44®C, which means that gasoline can form a combustible mixture at temperatures as low as 4.44®C. Biodiesel on the other hand has a flash point of over 130®C, meaning it cannot form a combustible mixture until it is heated well above the boiling point of water. It is rare that fuel is subjected to these types of conditions, making biodiesel significantly safer to store, handle, and transport than Mineral Diesel. In fact, the US National Fire Protection Association classifies biodiesel as a non-flammable liquid.
Recycling: Recovering Energy Resources
Biodiesel can be made from many different oils and fats, including many waste products. Waste cooking oil, normally disposed of or used in animal feed mixtures can be converted to high quality biodiesel using a process employed by companies such as Biogreen Diesel Technologies. The use of used cooking oils as a biodiesel feedstock has increased their value significantly in recent years, making proper collection and recycling of these oils more cost effective, and lowering the volume of these oils destined for sewers and landfills. Other low value oils and fats which can be made into biodiesel include yellow grease, inedible tallow, and trap grease.
> back to top
02.1.6. Economic Development
Communities create Renewable energy Rands that stay in the community.
Since biodiesel is a fuel which can be created from locally available resources, it’s production and use can provide a host of economic benefits for local communities. The community-based model of biodiesel production is particularly beneficial. In this model, locally available feedstocks are collected, converted to biodiesel, then distributed and used within the community. This model keeps energy Rands in the community instead of sending them to foreign oil producers and refineries outside the community. The peripheral benefits of this type of model are different for each case, but can include:
- Increased tax base from biodiesel production operations.
- Jobs created for feedstock farming and/or collection.
- Skilled jobs created for biodiesel production and distribution.
- Income for local feedstock producers and refiners.
Sustainable Farming and Value Added Agriculture
Biodiesel feedstock can come from a variety of agricultural crops. When these crops are grown in a sustainable manner, using good stewardship practices, there are long term benefits to farmers, farming communities and the land. Many crops which yield oils used for biodiesel production can be a beneficial rotation for other food crops, including soybeans when used in a traditional corn rotation, and canola when used in a wheat rotation. Using crops in rotation can improve soil health and reduce erosion. The overall impacts of growing energy crops are complex, with thousands of variables. However, the added value created for oilseed crops by the production of biodiesel is a tangible benefit for farming communities, and when coupled with sustainable farming practices can provide benefits to farming communities and the environment.
Sustainable Biodiesel Production
Since there are multiple feedstocks from which to make biodiesel, plant operators can opt for the least expensive feedstock currently available, if they have a multiple-feedstock system. This flexibility makes producers less subject to price fluctuations.
One example of this is noted by the prices of soybean oil. Its price has doubled in recent years, and is predicted to continue to rise according to a 2001 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The study projects a total cash crop increase of $5.2 billion by 2010 — an average net increase to farms of $300 million per year — with soybean prices increasing 17 cents per bushel annually over that period.
Everybody Wins
Ultimately this creates multiple beneficiaries of the production of biodiesel. By virtue of a successful market and feedstock flexibility, plant operators and farmers can both continue to operate in a marketplace with increases in revenue projected to bring $24 billion to the U.S. by 2015.
> back to top
03.Sustainability
Community-based is Sustainable
Biodiesel production has grown rapidly worldwide due to the numerous environmental and economic advantages this alternative fuel can have over petroleum. Biogreen Diesel has been a true pioneer in this burgeoning industry from the very first days of biodiesel production in America, contributing to and applying advances in technology, and observing the creation of various biodiesel business models. The source of the feedstock that is converted into biodiesel is a crucial issue that is garnering increased attention from the global environmental community.
Note that when the environmental, economic and social impacts of producing one gallon of biodiesel versus another are calculated, it is clear that not all biofuels are equal. Not all biofuels are “green” or sustainable. As the industry expands, more information has become available about the triple bottom line effects of different biodiesel production and business models.
With more than a decade of experience, Biogreen Diesel continues our commitment to our community-based biodiesel model that maximizes the advantages of smaller scale plants utilizing feedstocks grown or collected nearby. A significantly smaller environmental footprint can be obtained by reducing the need for long distance shipping of feedstock to, and product from, a biodiesel refinery. The economic advantages to the community are maximized through local investment and ownership and the creation of jobs, all of which keep profits in the community. Energy dependency is currently one of the major reasons touted for subsidizing biofuels in America, yet the U.S. biodiesel industry still ships much of its fuel across international borders. The community-based model, with the end product used locally, results in ultimate energy security.
Smaller biodiesel plants are much more flexible with the types of feedstocks they can use. Biogreen Diesel’s multiple feedstock technology creates a high quality, stable fuel supply and enables farmers, renderers and used cooking oil collectors to utilize more of their locally available resources. This flexibility means different types of agricultural feedstocks can be grown in an area, utilizing crop scenarios that may be healthier for the soil; additionally more use can be made of secondary or fallow land, minimizing the displacement of food crops. Smaller scale production also precludes the use of imported oil feedstocks from recently deforested lands, especially former rainforests, which are causing growing concern about the environmental impacts of biodiesel.
Community-based production has helped producers become more resilient in surviving market and price fluctuations as consumers are more likely to support a fuel provider that directly benefits their own community and has strong relationships with area businesses. The concept of community-based production begins to shape and define what is meant by sustainable biodiesel — striving to produce renewable fuel that has a positive environmental, economic and social impact.
Biogreen Diesel is a strong supporter of environmental groups striving to identify sustainable biofuels production best practices and educate the public. For more information on the issue of sustainable biodiesel, visit www.saba.co.za – South African Biofuels association.
Cooking oil can also be brought to our biodiesel plant in Maitland, Cape Town:
Unit B, Beacon Park
Beacon Way
Beaconvale
View Larger Map
> back to top
|
