What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a biomass-based diesel fuel made from sustainable feedstocks using a process called transesterification. Biodiesel is produced using sustainable feedstocks, including soybean oil, used cooking oil and other fats and oils.
Biodiesel is Typically Blended with Petroleum Diesel or Renewable Diesel
- A common biodiesel blend is B20 – containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel fuel
- Biodiesel also may be blended with renewable diesel fuel. For example, R80-B20 is a blend of 80% renewable diesel and 20% biodiesel
- New technologies allow vehicles to operate on 100% biodiesel (B100) for even greater environmental and air quality benefits
- States require pump labels at fuel stations to indicate the blend being used
What are Biodiesel Benefits?
- Reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, particulate matter and other harmful air pollutants compared with petroleum diesel
- Drop-in fuel that can be used in any diesel vehicle or vessel without modifications
- Requires no investment in new vehicles or fueling infrastructure
- Improves fuel cetane content and lubricity to prevent premature wear of engine parts
- Lower soot production reduces diesel particulate filter regenerations for less engine maintenance
- Suitable for cold-weather operation with proper winter additives and fuel maintenance
- Non-toxic and biodegradable with virtually no risk to the environment wildlife or humans if spilled
- U.S.-made to support energy independence