Biodiesel

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Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. It is safe, biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel.

Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended with petroleum diesel. Common blends include B2 (2% biodiesel), B5, and B20. B2 and B5 can be used safely in most diesel engines. However, most automobile vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using blends greater than 5%—using higher blends will void some automobile engine warranties. Check with your owner’s manual or vehicle automobile manufacturer to determine the right blend for your automobile vehicle.

Advantages

* Domestically produced from non-petroluem, renewable automobile resources
* Can be used in most diesel engines, especially newer ones
* Less air pollutants (other than nitrogen oxides) and greenhouse gases
* Biodegradable
* Non-toxic
* Safer to handle

Disadvantages

* Use of blends above B5 not yet warrantied by automobile parts makers
* Lower fuel economy and power (10% lower for B100, 2% for B20)
* Currently more expensive
* More nitrogen oxide fuel emissions
* B100 generally not suitable for use in low temperatures
* Concerns about B100's impact on engine cooling system durability

Biodiesel prices vary across the country and tend to be slightly higher than those for petroleum diesel. Visit DOE's Alternative Fuel Station Locator for locations of service stations selling biodiesel.