Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from either virgin or recycled plant oils or animal fats that can be used in place of regular petroleum-based diesel.
The Maine State Legislature defines "biodiesel fuel" as "renewable fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats that is registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a fuel and a fuel additive under the federal Clean Air Act, Section 211(b), 42 United States Code, Section 7545 and as otherwise specified in the American Society for Testing Materials Standard D6751-02a or its subsequent Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel (B100) Blend Stock for Distillate Fuels." Sec. 2. 36 MRSA §3202, sub-§1-A
Biodiesel can be used in diesel engines in 100% concentration (B-100), or blended with petroleum diesel in any ratio. The most common blend is B-20, or 20% biodiesel blended with 80% petroleum diesel.
Environmental Impacts
Emissions
An analysis by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that biodiesel significantly reduces emissions of Particulate Matter (PM), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons (HC) over petroleum diesel, based on use in heavy duty diesel engines. However, biodiesel increases emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), an important precursor to ground level ozone pollution. The study predicts that overall, biodiesel reduces emissions of toxic air pollutants, but that the reductions vary from pollutant to pollutant.
|
Pollutant |
Percent Change in Emissions
B20 (20% Biodiesel)
|
|
NOx |
+2.0% |
|
PM |
-10.1% |
|
HC |
-21.1% |
|
CO |
-11.0% |
The EPA report was based on an analysis of available biodiesel testing data. The results apply only to on-road heavy duty diesel engines and can not be correlated to light-duty diesel engines (i.e. passenger vehicles).
Fuel Economy
The EPA analysis also predicted that a fuel economy would be reduced by 1-2% over petroleum diesel using a B-20 blend.
Renewable Resource
Biodiesel can be made from any plant- or animal-based oil or fat, including soybean oil, canola oil, coconut oil, recycled restaurant grease and animal renderings. Regular diesel is a product of petroleum oil, a limited resource that is tapped from underground oil wells.
Renewable Resource
Biodiesel can be made from any plant- or animal-based oil or fat, including soybean oil, canola oil, coconut oil, recycled restaurant grease and animal renderings. Regular diesel is a product of petroleum oil, a limited resource that is tapped from underground oil wells.
Other Products
Home Heating Oil
Biodiesel can be used in place of #2 Fuel Oil for heating homes and businesses.
Biolubricants
Plant-based, biodegradable lubricants are now available, including 2-cycle engine oil, bar and chain oil and hydraulic fluid.
Diesel Use in Maine
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Information Administration (EIA), Maine used 608,895 thousand gallons of diesel (distillate fuel oil) in 2001. Almost half of that was used as home heating oil and another quarter was used as on-road diesel fuel.
Homemade Biodiesel
Some people choose to make their own backyard biodiesel using used restaurant oil, lye and alcohol. This homemade fuel may be of dubious quality and does not meet the State definition of biodiesel-it is not registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and does not meet ASTM Standards. Homemade biodiesel may have emissions levels that differ from commercial fuel and the emissions released during production are untested and uncontrolled. In addition, this fuel is subject to road taxes as are all on-road fuels.
Biodiesel Links
National Biodiesel Board
US EPA
World Energy
Frontier Energy
Veggie Van
Grassoline
Pacific Biodiesel
Solar Market
