Definition of Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an animal fat or vegetable oil based diesel fuel containing long-chain alkyl esters. Biodiesel is usually produced by chemically reacting lipids like vegetable oil or animal fat with alcohol. It is meant to be used in normal diesel engines which require no modification to use the fuel. Biodiesel can be used on its own or mixed with petrodiesel.

Given that it is such a ready form of fuel it is strange that biodiesel is not in widespread commercial use. The first account of the production of what we know as biodiesel today goes back to Belgium in 1937 where a member of the University of Brussels called Chavanne was given a patent for the process required to make biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a much greener alternative to conventional fuel and can be used as a fuel for aircraft, trains and automobiles. It has many other potential applications though, it is currently used as a heating oil to provide both domestic and commercial premises with heating.

A wide range of oils can be used to produce biodiesel. These include rapeseed and soybean oils, waste vegetable oil, animal fats and algae. The ability to produce this fuel in different ways and in locations which would not suit standard agricultural crops could be key to its long term success as a widespread fuel source.

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