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What is biodiesel? In short, it’s a renewable fuel that’s made from vegetable oil or animal fats, including soybeans, canola oil, and even used cooking oil. It’s sometimes mixed with conventional, petroleum-based diesel to help cut down on tailpipe emissions.What’s supposed to make it so great? For starters, biodiesel is renewable from domestic sources and can be used with any diesel engine. It also has more energy than gasoline, which raises mileage efficiency. It also offers good torque characteristics in cars which drivers notice as power and acceleration.Are there downsides to it? While mileage is higher than gasoline it’s a bit lower than conventional diesels. Also, while it may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, biodiesel may actually raise the levels of other pollutants. It can also cause fuel-system problems in cars.Where is it showing most promise for use? Currently biodiesel seems most useful as a blend used in conventional diesel-powered automobiles. Some proponents retrofit their cars to run on pure biodiesel although that practice can void the warranty and cause other problems.What are the cost considerations? Unfortunately, properly refined biodiesel tends to cost more than gasoline, but it can vary. Some restaurants are becoming active in giving away used cooking oil which can power certain cars. If production ramps up, costs should come down, but it’s not entirely clear that will happen or to what extent costs will be reduced.Is it available now? Refiners already produce about 250 million gallons of biodiesel per yearbut that’s barely 1 percent of all diesel consumed in the United States. And diesels themselves represent a small portion of the car market here. The industry could gather steam if there are tax breaks or other subsidies.Why isn’t it more readily accepted? Demand for biodiesel isn’t as strong as for other oil alternatives since diesel engines represent a small portion of the American car market at present. But even in Europe where diesel cars are far more popular, biodiesel activity has faded because raising the right crops might cause deforestation.Where is the strongest support for biodiesel coming from? The strongest support for biodiesel comes from agricultural interests, such as the soybean industry since it will increase their revenue stream. Most of the big automakers haven’t shown significant interest.Is this the magic answer we’ve all been looking for? No. Even if production grew rapidly, it would still be limited to use in cars with diesel engines or unusual modifications (which may void warranties). Also, the benefits aren’t as promising as those of cellulosic ethanol or other alternatives. Still, biodiesel could still help reduce greenhouse gases and petroleum use.

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