History of Biodiesel

In 1900, Rudolf Diesel demonstrated his compression ignition engine at the World's Exhibition in Paris. In that prototype engine he used peanut oil, the first biodiesel. Vegetable oils were used until the 1920's when an alteration was made to the engine enabling it to use a residue of petroleum diesel. Although the diesel engine gained worldwide acceptance, biodiesel did not. With superior price, availability, and government subsidies, petroleum diesel quickly became the fuel of choice for the diesel engine.

In the mid 1970s, fuel shortages revived interest in developing biodiesel as an alternative to petroleum diesel. However, as the petroleum market was increasingly subsidized, biodiesel was again relegated to a minority “alternative” status. This political and economic struggle continues to limit the impact of the biodiesel industry today.

Now, increasing concerns about the potential of global climate change, declining air and water quality, and serious human health concerns are inspiring the development of biodiesel, as a renewable, cleaner burning diesel alternative. Biodiesel is made from recycled vegetable oil and various feedstock (i.e.- soy beans). As part of an active carbon cycle biodiesel feedstock production reduces the buildup of greenhouse gases, and in turn, global warming.

Many fleet operators have made the switch to biodiesel, yet biodiesel consumption accounts for less than one percent of the total diesel fuel consumption in the United States. Additional industries seeking cleaner alternatives to sulfur-emitting diesel are transit bus fleets, heavy-duty truck fleets, airport shuttles, marine and national park boats and vehicles, mining, the military and many more.