Alternative Fuels

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Biodiesel

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Biodiesel is a mono-alkyl ester-based oxygenated fuel, produced from a variety of renewable resources, including waste vegetable  oils, cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in virtually any diesel engine, with no or few considerations to be addressed.  Biodiesel acts like petroleum diesel, but produces significantly less air pollution, is renewable, is biodegradable and is safe for the environment.

Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or blended with petroleum diesel fuel. "Neat" biodiesel, or B-100, refers to pure 100 percent biodiesel. The most commonly used form of biodiesel is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum fuel, referred to as B20.  The use of B20 is essentially a balancing of the emissions benefits with the cost, cold weather and solvency considerations noted below.

Biodiesel can also be used as a petroleum diesel fuel additive to provide increased lubricity.  Such an application is particularly valuable when using low and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels, as the reduction sulfur levels results in decreased fuel lubricity.  Even at a low percentage blend, such as 2 percent, biodiesel will provide sufficient lubricity.  Using biodiesel in this manner eliminates the inherent variability associated with the use of other additives.  Also, because biodiesel is compatible with diesel engines at any blend, unlike other lubricity additives, an accidental increase of biodiesel will not be a cause for concern. 

Biodiesel has the best energy balance of any liquid fuel. Every unit of energy needed to produce biodiesel results in 3.24 units of fuel energy. In contrast, petroleum diesel yields 0.83 units of fuel energy for each unit of fossil energy consumed, meaning that diesel requires more energy to produce than is generated by the diesel fuel. The production and use of biodiesel also results in 96% less hazardous waste than petroleum diesel (0.018 vs. 0.41 g/bhp-hr). Of this, 70% of the hazardous waste from the biodiesel life cycle comes from agricultural operations, but this is due primarily to assumptions that petroleum diesel or gasoline are used in farming operations. Biodiesel can result in more nonhazardous waste than petroleum diesel, most of which results from the crushing stage of the life cycle in which the feedstock, such as soybeans, is crushed to remove the oils. However, the life cycle analyses do not take into account the potential uses of this crush material. The meal left after crushing mustard seeds, for example, has great value as a fertilizer and fumigant which can be re-used in agricultural operations, including use on the very fields that grow the biodiesel feedstock.

Diesel vehicles have driven more than forty million miles on biodiesel in the United States, even more in Europe.  Applications include: school and transit buses, recycling and waste disposal trucks, heavy-duty freight hauling and delivery trucks, construction equipment, and marine boats and tugs.

Performance: Engine performance is typically unaffected, although some users of B100 have experienced a slight power loss at the high end.  A 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20) most often reduces no change in fuel economy, but use of B100 may reduce fuel economy by up to 8 percent.  Biodiesel provides lubricity, so even at low blends it will reduce wear and tear on the engine.

Fuel Standards: An ASTM standard, D6751, has been developed to ensure biodiesel quality.  Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The Departments of Transportation and Energy recognize biodiesel as an alternative fuel. As an alternative fuel, biodiesel can be used to comply with the mandates provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).

Environmental & health benefits: The emissions benefits of biodiesel include significantly lower emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter compared to petroleum diesel fuel. Emissions also contain far lower levels of the toxic contaminants typically associated with diesel fuel. Life-cycle reductions in carbon dioxide are also significant. In  addition, biodiesel has only trace amounts of sulfur, resulting in significant reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which contribute to the development of acid rain. Emission reductions are achieved without the need for additional emissions control equipment, but biodiesel is compatible with such equipment in new diesel engines or after-market equipment, such as particulate filters, installed on older diesel vehicles.  Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic. As a result, biodiesel poses minimal concerns related to soil and water contamination. The percentage of biodiesel used in a blend will effect the extent of these benefits.  

Safety characteristics: Biodiesel has a higher flash point than gasoline and petroleum diesel and does not produce explosive vapors, making it one of the safest fuels to use, handle and store. In addition, because it is biodegradable and non-toxic, biodiesel does not pose the soil and water contamination concerns associated with gasoline and diesel fuels. The percentage of biodiesel used in a blend well effect these characteristics.

Availability: Biodiesel is available in the Puget Sound region. In fact, numerous producers and marketers of biodiesel are capable of supplying biodiesel almost anywhere in the country.

Economics: Fuel prices vary significantly depending on the feedstock and shipping costs. In Puget Sound, neat biodiesel (B100) is currently selling at retail for over $3.00 per gallon, with a B20 blend averaging 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than petroleum diesel.  Despite the higher cost, many are finding biodiesel to be the least-cost-means to address vehicle emissions, particularly emissions from existing vehicles.  Biodiesel may also be a lower cost means of complying with the mandates of EPAct.

Additional considerations: In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum diesel can be used for biodiesel.  However there are a few issues that should be addressed in certain circumstances:

• Like all diesel fuels, biodiesel can gel at low temperatures.  For biodiesel blends, precautions beyond those employed for diesel are not needed.  Additional precautions may be warranted with pure biodiesel, such as utilization of insulation, fuel heaters or other measures for storage thanks and storage of vehicle in or near a building.

• Biodiesel can be stored about the same length of time as diesel.  Additives are recommended when storing biodiesel longer then 6 months.

• Biodiesel has a solvent effect which may release deposits on tank walls and pipes.  Cleaning tanks prior to use or inspecting fuel filters during the initial phase of use are recommended.  This affect is reduced when using biodiesel blends.

• Natural rubbers can be degraded by 100 percent biodiesel, so its use in older engines may require replacement of seals in fuel systems with synthetic materials.  Such precautions are generally not needed with biodiesel blends.

Washington State provides tax incentives to encourage the development of in-state production facilities, distribution services and retail sales facilities for biodiesel fuel.

Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition strategies:  The biodiesel market has developed rapidly in recent years. Numerous fleets, government and private, are using biodiesel, most as a 20% blend (B20) with either standard diesel or with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Individuals are also a significant element in the biodiesel market, obtaining the fuel through public access stations or through neighborhood co-ops. Biodiesel is recognized by many for its beneficial properties, including its relative ease of implementation and use, reduced emissions, and domestic production. There is also the potential for significant economic benefits with in-state production facilities and the growth of feedstocks by the agricultural communities.

The following strategies will guide the work of the Coalition in this area:

• Work to secure in-state production facility(ies). Continue to work with those interested in developing production facilities. Facilitate communication with key parties, such as economic development offices and those involved in permitting. Continue to demonstrate current and potential biodiesel market demand.

• Coordinate with agricultural community on the production of biodiesel feedstocks. 

• Increase distribution and fuel station network: Establish additional biodiesel supplies from marketers or producers to create competition. Work with owners of cardlock stations. Host educational forums with current cardlock fleet customers in order to encourage fleet use of biodiesel and thus have some guarantee of biodiesel sales for the station operator. Increase public access stations. Support the continued development of co-ops.

• Increase use in all markets (for example: on-road, marine, construction equipment, generators): Focus on B100, B20 and as low-level (1 to 2%) blend, and as lubricity additive in ultra-low sulfur diesel. Continue meeting with state agencies to discuss alternative fuels, with additional education concerning House Bill 1242, which encourages state agencies to use B20. Work to get biodiesel on the state contract. Coordinate with state agencies, such as University of Washington and the Washington State Ferries. Monitor, and assist as needed, in the implementation of House Bill 1243’s School District Biodiesel Pilot Program. 

• Continue to provide education via website, workshops, and vehicle displays. 

• Provide technical assistance to companies/consumers wanting to use and/or store biodiesel: Explore potential of Tiger Team assistance in developing WA State specific handling and use guidelines.

• Partner with other biodiesel interest groups, such as NW Biodiesel Network, Pacific NW Biofuels Network and others. 

• Coordinate with EPA workgroup on aggregated purchasing of biodiesel by the federal fleets in the NW region.

• Financial Assistance: Explore use of SEP funds for fuel stations and other opportunities such as CO2 mitigation funds.
  

Additional Resources:

• The U.S. Department of Energy provides additional information on biodiesel.

• National Biodiesel Board The NBB is the national trade association representing the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the United States. The NBB website offers detailed information about biodiesel fuel, current biodiesel users, access to numerous reports, and updates on federal legislation affecting biodiesel and biodiesel users.  

• World Energy is the largest marketer of biodiesel in the United States.  The company provides guaranteed national delivery, handles all tax, storage and hauling logistics and pre-blends its fuel for its customers. 

• Spokane County Conservation District The SCCD has been investigating the agricultural and economic feasibility of biodiesel production in the state, particularly the potential benefits to Spokane County. The District also operates the 'Clean Green Bio Machine', a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle powered by a turbo diesel engine and fueled with 100% biodiesel. The 'Bio Machine' or 'Bio Bug' is part of the District's educational efforts to help increase awareness of biodiesel and its positive impacts on the environment and public health. 

• Custom Fuel Comparison Tools  The Department of Energy provides a variety of tools that allow users to select fuels and compare their properties side-by-side.

Documents to Download:

• Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines: A guide for biodiesel users and distributors, with information on biodiesel quality, handling, blending, distributing and using biodiesel and biodiesel blends as well as information on storage, safety, and incentives. (NREL, Sep. 06, 3rd edition)
• Biodiesel Blends Fact Sheet: Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from new and used vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled restaurant grease. Biodiesel's physical properties are similar to those of petroleum diesel, but the fuel significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollutants. Biodiesel can be blended and used in many different concentrations including 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. (NREL, Apr. 08)
• Securing a Clean Energy Future - Green Fuels, Greener Vehicles: A State Resource Guide: The U.S. transportation sector is currently 97% dependent on oil. This heavy reliance on mostly imported oil leaves the U.S. vulnerable to supply interruptions, price fluctuations, economic instability, and consumer hardships. Yet there are core challenges to address before viable alternatives become available. These challenges include lack of alternative fuels in the marketplace; limited fuel distribution systems to get alternative fuels to consumers; and inadequate supply of alternative vehicles produced. The National Governors Association is suggesting that state governors can take four policy actions to meet the challenges: provide financial incentives through tax credits, deductions, grants and other financial means; pass rules and mandates specifying that state fuel distributors sell a certain quantity of alternative fuels; use their state's purchaing power to boost the adoption of alternative fuels or vehicles; and invest in research and demonstration efforts to speed new technologies to the marketplace. (National Governors Association, Feb. 08)
• Transporation Fuels for the Future: The Western Governors' Association decided that a policy roadmap was needed to integrate alternative fuels into a transporation fuel portfolio, taking into account the specific resource attributes of the West. The fuels and technologies covered are biodiesel and renewable biodiesel, biofuels, coal-to-liquids, compressed natural gas, propane, electricity, and hydrogen. The roadmap set out in the report addresses: potential resources, technologies and capabilities in Western states to develop alternative fuels; issues surrounding sustainable feedstock development, environmental impacts, and availability of conversion technologies; challenges common to all fuel types, including changing century-old dependence on petroleum; and the development of measurable goals and analytical tools to determine and mitigate the environmental impacts of new fuels. (Western Governors Associatiion, Feb. 08)
• E85 and Biodiesel Deployment: Oil consumption is growing rapidly while oil production is declining. We cannot "conserve" our way out of this dilemma. The transportation sector currently consumes 68% of global oil every year. We must develop new sources of transportation fuel for the U.S. and the world -- and we need to start now. Presentation discusses federal incentives for E85 and biodiesel; the Clean Cities Program; and the National Renewable Energy Lab's role in deployment of alternative fuels. (NREL, Sep. 07)

Picture Credits:  1) Biodiesel reduces the soot associated with diesel exhaust (World Energy); 2) Soybeans are a common feedstock for biodiesel (Bob Allen); 3) 1982 International 10-ton dump truck fueled by biodiesel at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (National Biodiesel Board);  4) Transit bus powered by biodiesel made from soybeans (Nebraska Soybean Board); 5) Utility vehicle operating on biodiesel (National Biodiesel Board); 6) Tanker fueling with biodiesel (National Biodiesel Board).