Biodiesel - The Renewable Alternative
Abstract
Fuels derived from renewable biological resources for use in diesel engines are known as biodiesel fuels. Animal fats and virgin and recycled vegetable oils derived from crops such as soybeans, canola, corn and sunflowers can be used in the production of biodiesel fuel. Tall oil, produced from wood pulp waste, is another feedstock source. Biodiesel can either be used in its pure state or can be blended with conventional diesel fuel derived from petroleum.
Vegetable oil was used as a diesel fuel as early as 1900, when Rudolf Diesel demonstrated that a diesel engine could run on peanut oil. However, its use as a fuel attracted little attention except in times of crisis such as during World War II and the energy shortages of the 1970s. Increasing environmental concerns, expensive overproduction in European agriculture and changes in government policies have resulted in expanded testing and usage of biodiesel. This issue of the Bi-weekly Bulletin examines the current situation and outlook for the use of biodiesel as an alternative fuel.
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