Biodiesel in North Carolina

What biodiesel is

• Biodiesel is a naturally oxygenated fuel produced from organic feed sources
• Sample feed stocks include soybeans, cooking oil, animal fats, and used cooking greases
• Biodiesel can be used in its pure form, B100, and must meet ASTM D6751 specification or dealers can get BQ-9000 accreditation
  
• Often blended with petroleum diesel to achieve cost efficiency and improve cold weather performance. A typical blend, B20 has 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel
  

• Can be used in any diesel vehicle (bus, truck, farm equipment) without modification
• Acts as a solvent and can loosen deposits in the fuel system left by petroleum diesel, so it may be necessary to change out your fuel filter after initial use of a high biodiesel blend
• Vehicles produced prior to 1993 should have rubber seals in fuel pumps and fuel systems replaced with non-rubber (Viton) seals
• It may also be utilized in stationary applications such as diesel generators and boilers
  

Performance

• Biodiesel performs similarly to traditional diesel
• B100 may result in a minimal power loss at the high end and a slight loss in fuel economy
• B20 users generally experience no difference in fuel economy from petroleum diesel
• Reduces wear and tear on the engine, reducing maintenance costs and extending engine life
• Biodiesel blends can be easily stored and dispensed in existing facilities
• B100 can thicken in cold weather (below 40 degrees F) and minor adjustments or modifications are required
  

Emission benefits

• Significantly lower emissions than petroleum diesel
• Reduces carbon monoxide by 12% with B20 and 47% with B100
• Reduces hydrocarbons by 20% with B20 and 67% with B100
• Reduces particulate matter by 12% with B20 and 48% with B100
• Reduces air toxins by 20% with B20 and 60-90% with B100
• Eliminates all sulfur emissions with B100, and a 20% reduction with B20
• Reduces visible smoke and other noxious odors
• Possible 78% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over entire production process
  

Additional benefits

• 3.2 units of energy gained for every 1 unit of fossil fuel energy used in producing biodiesel
• Non-toxic and biodegradable, with no threat to water and soil resources if B100 is spilled
• Producing biodiesel from oil or animal fat wastes can reduce those materials in landfills
• Relatively safe with no combustible vapors and a flash point around 300F (B100)
• Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and provides alternative markets for farmers
• Low blends of biodiesel (B2) are highly effective at enhancing the lubricity of diesel fuel, a concern when considering new Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel requirements
  

Where to get biodiesel

• All retail locations and distributors throughout North Carolina are listed on the Biofuel Distributors List and the Biofuel Retail Location List
  
• Find a location on NC Soybean Producers Association’s NC Biodiesel Dealers
• Use Centralina Clean Fuels Interactive Alt Fuel Station Map
  
• US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center’s national alternative fuel station locator
  

Biodiesel materials

• NC Biodiesel Fact Sheet; what it is, how it works, the benefits, and where to find it
• Service Station Biofuels Card; a handout to encourage retail sales of biodiesel
  

Helpful links and resources

    North Carolina Soybean Producers Association
    National Biodiesel Board
    US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center - Biodiesel

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