Ø as the name suggests biodiesel is an environmentally friendly replacement for mineral diesel
Ø it requires no engine conversion
Ø it can be used in pure form B100 or it can be blended with mineral diesel in any proportion
Ø has a high cetane rating, which improves engine performance: 20% biodiesel added to conventional diesel improves the cetane rating 3 points, making it a Premium fuel
Ø was the first renewable fuel to successfully complete the EPA-required Health Effects Testing under the Clean Air Act. Mutagenicity studies show that biofuel dramatically reduces potential risks of cancer and birth defects
Ø helps preserve natural resources
Ø for every unit of energy needed to produce biodiesel, 3.24 units of energy are gained - nearly four times more than mineral diesel
Ø a German truck won an entry in the Guinness Book of Records by travelling more than 1.25 million km (
Advantages of B100 (100% bio diesel)
Ø Chemically similar to diesel
Ø Burns up to 75% cleaner than diesel fuel made from fossil fuels
Ø Reduces atmospheric carbon dioxide increase by 100%
Ø 60% reduction in particulates (soot) and hydrocarbons
Ø Non toxic and biodegradable
Ø Fully degraded from a waterway environment within approximately 28 days
Ø Few real technical issues with use
Ø Reduces sulphur dioxide emissions by up to 100%.
Ø Reduces carbon monoxide emissions by up to 50%.
Ø Biodiesel is a renewable energy source.
Disadvantages of B100
Ø few vehicles actually warrantied to use it.
Ø may require (precautionary) blending over winter.
Advantages of B5 (5% bio, 95% mineral diesel)
Ø Can be used by any vehicle without infringing warranties.
Ø Disproportionate benefits to engine performance.
Ø 1% biodiesel will increase lubricity by 65%
Ø Helps businesses meet government green standards
Disadvantage of B5
Ø Ineligible for 20ppl duty derogation