Benefits of Biodiesel

The most noteworthy benefits from the production and consumption of biodiesel are the following:

• Make use of a renewable energy source
• Reduction of global emissions of carbon and other polluting particles generated during transport, thus contributing to fight the greenhouse effect and global warming. Zero sulfur dioxide emissions, the key precursor to acid rain, and reduced concentrations of particle emissions: Heavy metals, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds.
• Lower environmental impact. In its pure form, biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic, and free of elements that may affect the environment.
• Improvement of combustion in engines. Also, biodiesel is less hazardous than conventional diesel, as it has a higher combustion point.
• Contribution to energy security, based on:
  • Energy source diversification
  • Easy to blend with diesel
  • Reduction of petroleum imports within the EU
• Driver of Employment
  • Employment in rural areas
  • Employment in developing countries, opening new markets

To improve the beneficial effects of biofuels, oils should ideally come from crops grown in traditionally agricultural land, or areas with low environmental value, and, in as far as possible, not from raw materials apt for human consumption.

These benefits and precautions have been collected in the Renewable Energy Directive of May 2009, included in the Climate and Renewable Energy (CARE) package.