"And here we have a serious problem:
America is addicted to oil ..."
President George W. Bush - Jan, 2006
Ironic, isn't it?
Regardless of your political affiliation, I think President Bush's statement is one we can all agree with.
We all know what the alternatives: either we put our resources into developing fossil energy supplies in environmentally and politically sensitive areas of the world, or pursue alternatives that will offset our needs for imported oil and contribute to real energy independence. This site provides some basic information and resources related to one alternative: Biodiesel.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is an EPA-approved alternative fuel made from renewable plant stocks such as sunflower, rapeseed and soybeans. Although the most common feedstock for biodiesel in the US is soybeans, it can also be generated from any vegetable or animal fat (triglyceride).
USDA research indicates that pure biodiesel reduces net CO2 emissions by 78% compared to petroleum diesel. When used as a 20% blend, biodiesel still drops CO2 emmissions by 15%. Biodiesel also has a significant lubricating effect which can offset engine wear: a 1% biodiesel blend can increases fuel lubricity by 65%.
Which vehicles will run on biodiesel?
Any diesel will run on biodiesel with little or no engine modification. However, there are some precautions you should consider. These are discussed in my onine video available through this site.My choice was to purchase this 1982 Mercedes diesel for $1800. This vehicle has logged over 6000 miles on homebrew biodiesel; and delivers 25+ MPG. Aside from some minor fuel-filter maintenance, the transition was relatively painless.
The older (pre 1985) Mercedes diesels are TANKS; heavy and slow, but relatively solid and safe. Click picture to search eBay for a 240D, or click here for a 300D. If you are not sure if you have a local biodiesel distributor, check this US map for biodiesel suppliers.
Can biodiesel really make a difference?
On page 55 of Greg Pahl's book "Biodiesel - Growing a New Energy Economy", there's a rough calculation which suggests we could meet 14% of the U.S. petrodiesel market by pursuing crop and waste grease sources. His calculation suggests this could be met without displacing current food-crop production, and it does not take into consideration the potential for biodiesel production from algae.
Although biodiesel will not meet all of our energy demands, neither will drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge or in the Gulf of Mexico. When used as one piece of a national renewable energy policy, it can make a difference. At a minimum, it will get people thinking about renewables and maybe even inspire them to set up a homebrew operation like the one pictured here.
Not everyone has the convenience of a local commercial biodiesel distributor. Even where these are available, the cost of biodiesel can be prohibitive relative to the cost of petroleum based diesel. In other cases, bioidiesel may not be available as a 100% product.
As an alternative, some consider making their own 'homebrew'. This is biodiesel rendered from waste vegetable oil and animal fats. I prefer this alternative since it uses local materials that require negligible refining and transporation costs. By using local waste materialsl, we can futher diminish our environmental footprint.
For those of you who want some additional background on the nature and chemistry of biodiesel, please watch my online video available here. Please note that it takes about 5 minutes to fully download over a DSL connection.
UPDATE: 5/5/08: If you'd like a reference to print from, I've just released a manual for download at this URL: http://www.biod101.com/
Where can I learn more about biodiesel?
I first heard about biodiesel through my local Clean Cities Coalition sponsored by the US Department of Energy. It's mission is to advance the economic, environmental, and energy security of the US by supporting local decisions which lessen our reliance on imported oil. See if you have a local chapter and then contact them to find out if there are education and/or funding opportunities.
The web is also full of great resources. I've posted my favorites in the resources section associated with this site. There, you will also find briefings and presentations prepared by me on the topic of biodiesel. You are free to use any materials prepared by 'Hans Huth' for the purpose of educating your community as long as you don't do so for personal financial gain.
Thanks for Visiting!
Last Updated on 5/5/08 by
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