what is Biodiesel?

In 1900, Rudolf Diesel demonstrated his unique compression ignition engine at the World Exhibition in Paris. In that prototype engine he used peanut oil as the combustion fuel, the first ever biodiesel.

Vegetable oils were used to fuel compression engines until the 1920's, when an alteration was made to the engine design enabling them to use a residue of petroleum distillation – or petroleum diesel.

Although the diesel engine gained worldwide acceptance, biodiesel did not. As a function of cheaper pricing, availability, and government subsidies, petro-diesel quickly became the fuel of choice for the diesel engine.

Over the past few years, with the advent of real reductions in conventional reserves of crude oil and declining refining capacity in the oil and gas sector, biodiesel is being seen as a legitimate fuel alternative.

Biodiesel’s revival is being reinforced by increasing concerns about the spiraling use of fossil fuel causing global climate change and declining air and water quality, as well as serious human health consequences arising from these trends.

Modern biodiesel is typically manufactured by enhancing the chemical composition of vegetable, seed or animal fats and oils. The most commonly used starting materials include canola, soy, palm or coconut oils and animal tallow, a by-product from the meat processing industry.

Global biodiesel consumption has risen rapidly in recent years, particularly in the EU and USA, where the policy environment is very supportive.

In Australia, biodiesel is most commonly used in a bend with mineral diesel, at between 2% and 20% biodiesel. Neat biodiesel is only used for a limited number of specialist applications.