Biodiesel is a sustainable fuel made from various natural sources, like plant oils, animal fats, or reused cooking grease. It’s created by transesterification, a chemical reaction where these oils or fats are mixed with an alcohol (commonly methanol or ethanol) and a catalyst. This process yields biodiesel, a clean-burning alternative to traditional fossil fuels, and glycerin, a byproduct used in various applications. Biodiesel’s use can reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources, cut down emissions, and contribute to environmental conservation, making it an important player in the pursuit of renewable energy solutions.

One of the key advantages of biodiesel is its reduced environmental impact compared to traditional petroleum diesel. It produces lower levels of harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and sulfur oxides, which can contribute to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it safer to handle and store.

Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, either in its pure form (B100) or blended with petroleum diesel in various ratios (such as B20, containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel). It offers similar performance and energy content to petroleum diesel, although it may have slightly lower energy density.