What is Biodiesel?

• Biodiesel is a renewable, alternative diesel fuel that is produced by combining virgin or recycled vegetable oils and/or animal fats with an alcohol (usually methanol) to produce chemical compounds known as methyl esters.
• Biodiesel is a desirable substitute for petroleum diesel (petrodiesel) because it can be used in standard diesel engines without any modification.
• Biodiesel can be blended with petrodiesel in any proportion. B100 refers to 100% biodiesel fuel, while B20 refers to a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petrodiesel.
• Extremely cold weather may affect the performance of pure biodiesel, therefore blends of up to B5 are often used in very cold conditions.
• Biodiesel (B100) must meet American Standard for Testing Material (ASTM) D6751 or the European standard EN14214.
• For on-road vehicles, a B1 to B5 blend must meet the Canadian General Standard Board specification CAN/CGSB-3.520 Automotive Low Sulphur Diesel Fuel Containing Low Levels of Biodiesel Esters (B1-B5).
• Biodiesel has been produced and used successfully in Europe and the United States over the last decade. Some fleets in Ontario are choosing to use biodiesel blended fuel.
  

What are the benefits of Biodiesel?

• The emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur and particulate matter are lower from an engine running on biodiesel than one running on petrodiesel.
• Burning biodiesel in place of petrodiesel reduces emissions that contribute to global warming, acid rain and smog.
• Biodiesel reduces the puff of black smoke typically associated with using petrodiesel.
• Biodiesel is non-toxic and is totally biodegradable, making it better for handling and for the environment.
• Biodiesel is renewable, and uses more sustainable inputs that can be produced locally.
• Biodiesel has better lubricity than petrodiesel, which helps reduce engine friction and wear, and extend engine durability.
  

The Economics of Biodiesel

• The production of biodiesel from vegetable oils or animal fats creates a new market for these feedstocks.
• Since June 2002, biodiesel has been exempt from the 14.3 cents-per-litre Ontario fuel tax, making it more cost-competitive with petrodiesel. Biodiesel is also exempt from the Federal excise tax of 4 cents-per-litre.