U.S. biodiesel overview
- National Biodiesel Board, Jefferson City, MO (United States)
Biodiesel is the mono alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable lipid sources. Through research and market development efforts led by the National Biodiesel Board, government agencies, academia, and private industry, biodiesel is moving toward commercialization as regulations take effect in specific diesel markets and as biodiesel becomes recognized as a practical, low-cost alternative fuel option. Environmentally, biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic, and reduces most regulated engine exhaust emissions. Operationally, it performs very similar to petroleum based diesel (petrodiesel) in terms of power, torque, and fuel economy. Biodiesel also offers improved lubricity characteristics compared to petrodiesel. Economically, production and use of biodiesel will enhance both rural and urban economic development. Also, biodiesel blends can be utilized in vehicle fleets without modifying engines or infrastructure and competes favorably with other alternative fuels on a life cycle cost basis. Market development activities have been, and will continue to be, targeted specific market segments where the attributes of biodiesel justify the price of a premium fuel. More biodiesel production will come on-line as markets are established.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 115307
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP--200-8098; CONF-9508104--; ON: DE95009230
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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