Fleets across Indiana rely on biodiesel, a high-performance and cleaner-burning fuel that’s made from soybeans and other renewable feedstocks produced in Indiana. Biodiesel is an easy-to-use and economical fuel option that improves air quality by reducing particulate matter and other harmful vehicle emissions. It’s the most straightforward way to lower global warming CO2 emissions in existing diesel equipment.

B100, or 100 percent biodiesel, is typically blended with petroleum diesel to create blends ranging from 5 percent up to 50 percent
and higher. B20 is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel fuel.

B20 Benefits

  • A sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel choice that reduces CO2 emissions
  • Produces cleaner, healthier air by reducing particulate matter emissions and other harmful pollutants
  • Requires no new equipment nor expensive infrastructure to implement
  • Approved for use by all major vehicle and engine manufacturers
  • Works in any diesel engine without modifications
  • Offers solvent-like traits for cleaner engines and less soot
  • Performs year-round with proper additives for cold-weather operation
  • Reduces dependence on foreign oil
  • Lowers maintenance costs
  • Improves cetane and fuel lubricity

MYTH vs. FACT

Understanding the truth about biodiesel.

Fact: Auto engine manufacturers do not warranty any fuel in their vehicles, and biodiesel is no exception or special case. All U.S. diesel vehicle manufacturers support use of B5 biodiesel, while blends up to B20 (20 percent blend of biodiesel with diesel fuel) are approved for use in the vast majority of the diesel vehicles coming off production lines.

Fact: Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel than petroleum diesel. In higher concentrations, it can significantly reduce air toxins and other harmful emissions. Using biodiesel supports clean air by reducing particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, while also helping to improve health by lessening exposure to these air pollutants.

Fact: Biodiesel has higher cetane than U.S. diesel fuel, which means the fuel ignites faster and causes the engine to run better. B20 provides similar fuel economy, horsepower, torque and haulage rates to diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity and the highest energy content of any alternative fuel (BTUs). And by using cold weather additives and ensuring storage tanks are free from water like you would with regular diesel fuel, B20 biodiesel blends can be used successfully all year in the coldest U.S. climates.

Fact: Energy balance is important to consider when producing environmentally sustainable fuels. Biodiesel has the highest energy balance of any fuel. A USDA study determined that biodiesel production returns more than five units of energy for every unit of fossil energy needed to produce it.

Fact: Studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show the biodiesel industry has substantially met national fuel quality standards. Plants certified under BQ-9000, the industry’s quality assurance program, consistently hit the quality mark.

Fact: Biodiesel actually benefits the world’s protein supply. Soybeans are grown for protein. Biodiesel is processed using the oil byproduct of the soybean, leaving all of the protein available to nourish livestock and humans. By creating a new market for soybean oil, we increase the availability of protein-rich meal for human and livestock consumption. The increased meal supply results in a more cost-effective food and feed source.

Fact: Biodiesel functions like conventional diesel fuel, requiring no engine modifications. In fact, biodiesel cleans fuel systems and injectors. It also has higher lubricity to help engines last longer. And because it burns cleaner, diesel particulate filters experience less wear and tear.

Fact: Biodiesel and ethanol are both biofuels, but they come from different biological materials and have different uses. Biodiesel is made from oils and fats, creating a high BTU content fuel for diesel vehicles. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel made from fermentation of corn and cellulosic materials and is designed for use in gasoline engines.

Fact: It’s true that biodiesel can be made from recycled cooking oils, as well as soybean oil and animal fats. However, a refining process called transesterification converts these oils and fats into fuel-grade biodiesel that meets industry specifications. If it doesn’t meet ASTM D6751 specifications, it’s not considered biodiesel. Don’t confuse raw fats and oils with high quality biodiesel fuel.

Fact: Just like gasoline and diesel, biodiesel has fuel quality specifications. ASTM’s original specification for pure biodiesel is D6751.

Other ASTM specifications include:

  • Blends of diesel and biodiesel, from 6 to 20 percent (D7467)
  • Biodiesel blends up to B5 in diesel fuel (D975)
  • Home heating and boiler applications for blends up to and including B20 (D396)

Fact: U.S. biodiesel is an advanced biofuel, reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 86 percent. New cropland is not needed to make biodiesel because it is produced from co-products and by-products of crops already grown for food and other materials.

Fact: Biodiesel is one of the only advanced biofuels produced and commercially available in the U.S. The EPA defines biodiesel as an advanced biofuel in federal statute, based on its minimum of 50 percent greenhouse gas reductions compared to petroleum. It is the best and most cost effective carbon mitigation strategy for diesel engines right now and for generations to come.

Want to learn more?

Contact us for more information about biodiesel and the B20 Club of Indiana.