Biodiesel is a renewable, non-toxic fuel that can directly replace conventional petroleum diesel, resulting
in substantial reductions in tailpipe emissions. The term 'biodiesel' refers to the methyl (or ethyl) ester
of fatty acids obtained by a process of esterification of new and used fats or oils. Through the chemical
process of transesterification, the triglycerides in the fat or oil are converted to the methyl esters from
the fatty acids.
Biodiesel also finds use as a lubricity agent in low and ultra-low sulphur diesel fuels where the addition
of as little as 2% biodiesel to petroleum diesel significantly improves the lubricity of the fuel.
Globally, the production and use of biodiesel has been well received, particularly in environmentally
sensitive areas such as the forestry and fishing industries where the biodegradable characteristics of
biodiesel are an attractive alternative. Biodiesel has also proven to be the fuel of choice for heavy
equipment users in built up areas, renewable power generation and public transport.
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel similar to conventional or ‘fossil’ diesel.
Biodiesel can be produced from straight vegetable oil, animal oil/fats, tallow
and waste cooking oil. The process used to convert these oils to Biodiesel is
called transesterification. This process is described in more detail below. The
largest possible source of suitable oil comes from oil crops such as rapeseed,
palm or soybean. The rapeseed represents the greatest potential for biodiesel
production.
