Biodiesel

Biodiesel is safe to handle, store and transport. B5 blends are essentially identical to diesel and can be used in any existing diesel vehicle and storage tank, with no modifications required. Up to B20, biodiesel can be used in many diesel applications, with minor or no modifications.

Biodiesel qualifies as a renewable, “biomass-based” diesel fuel under EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). It is assigned a “D4” Renewable Identification Number (RIN), which requires a minimum GHG reduction of 50%. Blending biodiesel into petroleum diesel allows refiners and importers to satisfy their annual RFS obligations. This helps keep prices down for fleets that purchase biodiesel.

Proportional to its “B” level, biodiesel blends like B5 and B20 enable fleets to reduce full-cycle emissions of GHGs, and tailpipe emissions of key air pollutants (diesel particulate matter, carbon monoxide). Biodiesel is biodegradable and nontoxic; it causes significantly less water and soil pollution compared to petroleum diesel, if spilled.

Fleet users of B20 (and lower) blends report no noticeable difference in vehicle performance or fuel economy. In fact, biodiesel’s higher cetane reading compared to diesel helps promote improved fuel combustion and various engine performance factors.

Blending biodiesel into conventional diesel–even at very low “B” levels–improves fuel lubricity, which can extend engine life. Biodiesel blends can reduce carbon deposits in the engine, and therefore reduce the wear on key engine parts.

With proper precautions, biodiesel can be stored for extended periods without impacting fuel quality.