Biodiesel

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that is produced from the oil of crops including oilseed rape, sunflowers and soybeans, as well as from waste cooking oils.

Biodiesel is usually available in a relatively weak blend of 5 per cent biodiesel and 95 per cent ultra-low sulphur diesel.

Biodiesel is available in a 30 per cent blend (B30) from a limited number of outlets and blends of up to 100 per cent are available from specialist suppliers.

What are the environmental benefits of using biodiesel?

Biodiesel benefits the environment as follows:

1. Because the crops used to make biodiesel take in carbon dioxide when they grow, biodiesel is considered a renewable fuel. It can provide significant reductions in CO2 well to wheel, however this can vary considerably depending on the source and supplier of the fuel. Further details are available from the Renewable Fuels Agency http://www.dft.gov.uk/rfa/
2. Because it is highly biodegradable, biodiesel does not accumulate and pollute soil and waterways if it is spilt.

One small negative is that oxides of nitrogen, a smog-forming gas, are slightly higher in biodiesel than with ultra-low sulphur diesel.

How much does it cost to run a vehicle on biodiesel?

The tax on biodiesel is currently 20 pence per litre lower than regular diesel. Biodiesel pump prices are now roughly the same as standard diesel, the saving in tax being offset by the higher cost of the fuel.

Where can I buy biodiesel?

Biodiesel in concentration above 5 per cent is available from selected outlets. For more information, details are available from the following website: http://www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk/

What else do I need to know about biodiesel?

• When used as a 5 per cent blend with conventional 'mineral' diesel, biodiesel behaves almost identically to conventional diesel. Indeed, you may have already refuelled with it at this concentration without realising it!

• All motor manufacturers warrant their vehicles to run on the fuel at this concentration. In fact, some studies have found the lubricating properties of biodiesel can make engines run more smoothly.

• Consumers should be wary of using any fuel that does not conform to the recognised standard for biodiesel EN 14214 and meet the current diesel specification EN590 (maximum 5 per cent biodiesel blend), as this may compromise the warranty of their vehicle. In particular, using 100 per cent biodiesel can create problems with engine performance, unless your vehicle has been modified to use this fuel.

• Peugeot and Citroen approve higher blends (up to 30 per cent), however speak with your vehicle manufacturer first as revised servicing requirements may apply.

• By 2013 all diesel sold in the UK will contain 5% biodiesel