Biodiesel As A Renewable Energy Source

Biodiesel is a derivative of vegetable sources such as soybean oil and is similar to diesel fuel. It can also be made from recycled cooking oil and animal fats.

All major engine manufacturers’ warranties cover the use of biodiesel fuels, most often in blends of up to 5 percent or 20 percent biodiesel.

Plants in nearly every state in the country produce biofuel. Its production has increased from approximately 25 million gallons in the early 2000s to almost 1.1 billion gallons in 2012. “This represents a small but growing component of the annual U.S. on-road diesel market of about 35 billion to 40 billion gallons.”

This promising petroleum alternative is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that is reducing U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum, creating jobs and ultimately improving the environment. Advantages, along with some disadvantages, are below:

Advantages

• Biodiesel is a renewable source of energy
• Clean-burning
• Reduces U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum
• Creates hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs
• Less pollution than petroleum diesel with lower carbon emissions
• Can be used in most newer oil heating systems and diesel engines without making any alterations to the engine
• Can be produced from used cooking oil

Disadvantages

• Biodiesel fuel is more costly to use than petroleum-based fuel
• Not all biofuels are compatible with existing older model cars. There are times that car engines need to be modified to adapt to biofuels
• Large amounts of land are necessary to grow soybeans needed to produce fuel
• Oil recycling centers are needed to recycle used oil used in biofuel production
• The older the car, the more likely that using biodiesel will lead to clogged filters
• Biodiesel can rot rubber parts in the fuel system, but such problems are rare.
• Biodiesel made from different kinds of oil can have slightly different characteristics
• Could emit nitrogen oxide, a component of smog

Biofuels, along with other products newly introduced to the public, have some bugs to work out but have their place in society. If given a fair chance and the time and consideration, biofuels can power the future.

For more information on recycling and making new products from recycled materials visit www.wasteawaygroup.com.

biodiesel.org
greenliving.lovetoknow.com
berkeleybiodiesel.org
journeytoforever.org
biofuels.lt