"Initiative is doing the right thing without being told."

 

Victor Hugo

 

Biodiesel:  Benefits

 

What are the benefits of using biodiesel?

 

1. Biodiesel is made from renewable resources and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels.
 

2. Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas emissions such as CO2 are reduced up to 78% for pure biodiesel.
 

3. Higher lubricity rating – a 2% blend of biodiesel increases the lubricity of petro-diesel by 65%. This is especially important with the Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel now in use in Canada.
 

4. Biodiesel is biodegradable and under normal conditions breaks down in 14 to 30 days.
 

5. Unlike diesel, pure biodiesel is non-toxic – it is currently used in mines and ecologically sensitive national parks.
 

6. Higher cetane rating than diesel, resulting in improved combustibility, smoother engine running and quieter operation

Lower Emissions

 

Exhaust emission improvements include substantial reductions in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulates, although the production of nitrogen gases is similar to regular diesel fuel.
Under conditions of increasing demand for diesel, partial substitution of biodiesel for petroleum diesel or blending of the two would help to stabilize the release of greenhouse gases.
Reduced emissions make biodiesel suitable for use in major cities where air pollution is a problem. Also, its lower emissions make biodiesel suitable for use in confined areas such as mines where ventilation is a concern.

 

Low Toxicity

 

Pure biodiesel has low aquatic toxicity and is completely biodegradable in about 30 days. This characteristic substantially reduces the impact of accidental spills and makes it ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas, including inland waterways. When biodiesel is blended with regular diesel fuel, biodegradation is accelerated to about three times the normal rate of diesel fuel.

Testing

 

Europe, the United States, and Canada have conducted extensive tests of biodiesel in trucks, cars, locomotives, buses, tractors and small boats.
Testing has included the use of pure biodiesel and various blends with conventional diesel.
Results indicate reduced engine wear while performance remains virtually unchanged. Many tests have concluded that the best overall results are obtained with a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent conventional diesel.

Content Adapted from The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association