Pure plant oils

What is pure plant oil (PPO)?

Plant oils are a fuel made by crushing and filtering oil-based crops such as rapeseed, palm or nuts. The neat oil is then ready to be used in some diesel engines.

Pure plant oil was originally used by Rudolf Diesel in his patented compression ignition engine in 1898, which ran on peanut oil.

What are the environmental benefits of pure plant oil?

When using plant oils, the specific level of reduction in carbon dioxide emissions depends entirely upon the manufacturing process but will almost certainly produce fewer emissions than other forms of biodiesel production.

How do I adapt my vehicle to run on pure plant oil?

In the UK, manufacturers will not yet warrant their vehicles for PPO as the engines would require modification (generally a heater on the fuel line to help the product flow). PPO suppliers can advise if your vehicle is suitable for conversion and where it may be carried out.

Where can I refuel with pure plant oil?

There is a limited supply of PPO and there is no refuelling network.

Is pure plant oil technology currently being used anywhere?

Pure plant oil technology is used all over the EU but most specifically in Germany, where many cars are converted to run on PPO and there is also an established refuelling network.