What Generation Is Your Biodiesel?

University of Idaho yellow Volkswagen bug fueled on mustard oil biodiesel
U. of Idaho Volkswagen bug fueled on mustard oil biodiesel. Photo: http://biodieseleducation.org

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Biodiesel Definitions under the Renewable Fuel Standard
Bibliography
More Topics
For Additional Information

Introduction

It has become popular lately to refer to biofuels as “first generation,” “second generation,” “third generation,” and so on.

  • First generation biofuels consist of ethanol from sugar or starch (such as from corn) and biodiesel from animal fats and vegetable oils.
  • Second generation biofuels are those produced from ligno-cellulosic materials such as switchgrass

Jatropha: Biodiesel and More

Jatropha seed oil is used in soaps, and energy for lighting and heating in subtropical and tropical areas where it is planted as living fences to stop soil erosion. Its biodiesel potential is being researched because the seeds contain from 25% to 40% oil.

Jatropha fruits and seed. Copyright FAO, UN

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Introduction

Jatropha curcas is an oilseed tree or shrub that grows in …

Animal Fats for Biodiesel Production

Explore the use of animal fats as an oil feedstock in the production of biodiesel. This article covers the advantages and challenges of using oil from animal fat in biodiesel fuel.

Beef tallow. Photo: FotoosvanRobin; Wikimedia Commons.

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Warm Climate Feedstocks for Biodiesel

Did you know the state tree of Hawaii, the candlenut tree or kukui, can produce oil for biodiesel energy? Oil palm, coconut, jatropha, croton, candlenut, and tallow tree are warm climate trees whose oil from nuts, seeds or fruits can be used to make biodiesel.

Coconuts grows in most tropical areas.

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Introduction

Although the following trees and crops are not generally grown commercially in the United States, American farmers …

Oilseed Crops for Biodiesel Production

Do you know that energy in the oil from oilseed crops, algae, restaurant waste oil, and animal fat can serve as a biodiesel feedstock? This article explores many feedstocks that make oil, which can be used in biodiesel production.

Harvesting soybeans in Nebraska.  Photo: F. John Hay, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

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Used and Waste Oil and Grease for Biodiesel

The most environmentally friendly biodiesel feedstocks are used grease and oil. This article discussed how to turn waste oil and grease from restaurants into energy.

barrels of biodiesel

Photo: basheertome
Photo: Mitra Sahara

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Introduction

Some of the most environmentally friendly biodiesel feedstocks are used cooking oil and waste grease. According to the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standards Program Regulatory Impact Analysis,

Waste Management in Biodiesel Production

Introduction

Biodiesel production does not result in a lot of waste. However, depending on the process and feedstocks use, it can produce some wastewater, minerals, resins, solids strained out of used oil and glycerin. Often, waste is not an issue for large producers because they can invest in the equipment needed to recycle and reuse some of these products. For small producers, waste disposal is often a concern.

The biodiesel industry aims for a zero discharge process. Plants that recycle …

Commercial and Large Scale Biodiesel Production Systems

Introduction

Commercial-scale biodiesel producers have many constraints beyond those which small producers need to meet. Commercial producers must satisfy the expectations of owners and/or stockholders for profitability. They must make optimal use of capital and other resources. They also have to include the cost of labor because it comes from paid employees. Small-scale producers will often ignore the cost of their time and the value of the space they devote to producing fuel.

Commercial-scale producers must also meet regulatory requirements …

Biodiesel Production Principles and Processes

Introduction

The process to make biodiesel involves a chemical reaction. This means that the biodiesel industry is a chemical industry. Those involved in making biodiesel must have a good understanding of the underlying chemistry to ensure they are making quality fuel in a safe manner.

  Find these topics and many other related Farm Energy media resources at the Farm Energy Media archive.

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines that is produced by chemically reacting a vegetable oil …

Biodiesel and the Food vs. Fuel Debate

Does biodiesel production impact food supplies? Learn about the “fuel versus food” debate, examine scenarios showing impacts and factors considered by scientists trying to unravel this complex question.

Harvesting soybeans in Nebraska.  Photo: F. John Hay, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

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