Alternative Fuels
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. Biodiesel meets both the biomass-based diesel and overall advanced biofuel requirement of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Renewable diesel, also called “green diesel,” is distinct from biodiesel.
Biodiesel is a liquid fuel often referred to as B100 or neat biodiesel in its pure, unblended form. Like petroleum diesel, biodiesel is used to fuel compression-ignition engines. See the table for biodiesel’s physical characteristics.
Biodiesel performance in cold weather depends on the blend of biodiesel, the feedstock, and the petroleum diesel characteristics. In general, blends with smaller percentages of biodiesel perform better in cold temperatures. Typically, regular No. 2 diesel and B5 perform about the same in cold weather. Both biodiesel and No. 2 diesel have some compounds that crystallize in very cold temperatures. In winter weather, fuel blenders and suppliers combat crystallization by adding a cold flow improver. For the best cold weather performance, users should work with their fuel provider to ensure the blend is appropriate.
More Information Located on the Alternative Fuels Data Center:
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel.html
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel.html
America’s First Biofuels Corridor
Interstate 65, between Gary, Indiana and Mobile, Alabama was America’s first biofuels corridor. The concept, which originated with the U.S. Department of Energy, called for the increase in and upgrading of biofuels fueling infrastructure along the interstate, giving drivers the opportunity to travel the entire corridor using E85 ethanol or B20 biodiesel. With the completion of this project, drivers are never more than a tankful away from the next biofuels pump.
National Biodiesel Board
The National Biodiesel Board is the national trade association representing America’s first advanced biofuel. The organization works to create sustainable biodiesel industry growth through education, communication, governmental affairs, technical and quality assurance programs. Serving as the coordinating body for research and development in the U.S., the National Biodiesel Board is comprised of state, national and international feedstock processor organizations, biodiesel suppliers, fuel marketers and distributors and technology providers.