Doe Factsheet
Doe Factsheet
Doe Factsheet
April 2008
Biodiesel Blends
Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from new and used vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled restaurant grease. Biodiesels physical properties are similar to those of petroleum diesel, but the fuel significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollutants. It is a biodegradable and cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be blended and used in many different concentrations. They include B100 (pure biodiesel), B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel), B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% petroleum diesel), and B2 (2% biodiesel, 98% petroleum diesel). The most common biodiesel blend is B20, which qualifies for fleet compliance under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992. The number of retailers, petroleum distributors, and biodiesel distributors offering biodiesel blends continues to grow. According to the Alternative Fuels Station Locator tool on the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) Web site, there are more than 800 biodiesel fueling sites across the country. To look up biodiesel stations in your area, visit http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator.
Clean Cities
The release of deposits in higher biodiesel blends may initially clog filters, so you should be proactive in checking for and replacing clogged fuel filters. Once the build-up is eliminated, return to your regular replacement schedule. This issue is less prevalent with B20 and lower blends. There is no evidence that lower-blend levels plug filters.
NOx
PM CO HC
20
40
60
80
100
Percent Biodiesel
Source: EPA, Draft Report EPA 420-P-02-001, Ocotober 2002
dioxide emissions by more than 75% compared to diesel. Using B20 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15%.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Vehicle Technologies Program For more information contact: EERE Information Center 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463) www.eere.energy.gov Prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) NREL is a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory Operated by Midwest Research Institute Battelle
A Strong Energy Portfolio for a Strong America Energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy will mean a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy independence for America. Working with a wide array of state, community, industry, and university partners, the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in a diverse portfolio of energy technologies. DOE/GO-102008-2542 April 2008 Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 10% postconsumer waste.