Biodiesel is a liquid fuel that originates from the breakdown of lipid materials, such as vegetable oil or animal fat. It serves as a renewable substitute for fossil fuels, which means it produces less greenhouse gases than petroleum-based diesel (gasoline), therefore it can be considered as a renewable and alternative energy source.
In many countries, biodiesel is helping to reduce crude oil imports, as it can be produced almost anywhere and does not require extensive modifications to automobile fuel systems to use.
However, there are some inherent problems with biodiesel production that can threaten biodiversity, including the use of polluting energy to power organic matter treatment processes.
In order for you to build your own criteria on this energy alternative, we will show you everything you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of biodiesel.
Advantages of biodiesel
Can be used in existing diesel engines
biodiesel can fuel diesel vehicle engines with little or no modification. This liquid can be used in a proportion of 100%, or mixed with gasoline.
For example, one of the most functional variants is the B20, which combines 80% biodiesel with 20% gasoline to Optimize lubrication and increase engine life.
Reduce polluting emissions
The emission of greenhouse gases are generated by the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. biodiesel has the potential to reduce the emission of these polluting gases by almost 78 percent.
Use renewable energy sources
Because biodiesel is obtained from renewable sources, with animal and vegetable organic matter, it becomes a type of energy that can produced on demand and generates less pollution than petroleum-based fuels.
The refining process is cleaner
Oil and gas refineries release a large amount of polluting chemicals, such as butadiene and benzene, which pose a threat to all living things.
For their part, fuel refineries, driven mainly by vegetable and animal fats, release substances that are less harmful to health and the environment.
Can be grown and produced locally
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for any economy. For nations that do not produce oil, this is especially valuable, as they can gradually reduce their imports of crude and prioritize the national production of a renewable energy source and less harmful to the environment and people.
It is less flammable than petroleum
Unlike petroleum-based fuel, biodiesel generates lower proportions of soot, hydrocarbon residues, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.
Furthermore, it is much less flammable than petroleum (150°C biodiesel – 52°C petroleum). For this reason, its transport and storage is much safer.
Positive impact on the economy
The fact that this fuel can be produced locally makes biodiesel plants a excellent source of employment. If the demand for biodiesel grows, the need to install these production plants will also grow.
Also, the reduction of polluting substances in the generation of biodiesel translates into lower costs in sanitary matters.
Improved air quality
Thanks to the fact that the carbon dioxide generated by the combustion of biodiesel is converted back into oxygen through photosynthesis in plant crops, the negative effects on the air are much less than those generated by diesel fuels.
Diesel engines with better performance
Biodiesel contributes to improving the useful life of vehicles. How? To the increase fuel lubricity and cetane percentage Two characteristics that include notably the smoothness and efficiency with which the engine operates.
It represents a viable alternative to the energy crisis
The energy crisis and the energy policies of some powerful countries have been classified as possible triggers for an eventual war. Biodiesel has the potential to eradicate these tensions, since, by increasing its production, countries will be less dependent on the use of foreign oil, geopolitical conflicts will be reduced and the local economy will have greater stability.
Disadvantages of biodiesel
Its quality is variable
Because biodiesel is produced from various crops, the extraction of different vegetable oils and their transformation process result in a variable capacity in the production of this material. In essence, not all biofuels have the same quality.
Biodiesel can cause engine damage
Although the use of biodiesel can boost engine efficiency, it can also has the potential to harm rubber caps of these systems.
Does not perform well in cold climates
In subzero weather conditions, the vegetable oils in biodiesel tend to freeze easily. Therefore, many users residing in these regions use biodiesel blends with gasoline for colder seasons.
It is an expensive fuel
Currently, the gallon of biodiesel is almost twice as expensive as a gallon of gasoline. However, this occurs because it is an alternative fuel. If your production scales up, market demand is likely to increase and prices to stabilize and even become much more competitive.
May drive food shortages
If the demand for biodiesel increases across the board, the prices of food used for the production of this fuel may rise, creating distribution problems. For example, if the demand for corn-based biodiesel grows, corn prices would also increase.
Increase the use of fertilizers
If biofuel cultivation increases, it is likely that more fertilizers will be needed. Furthermore, in the case of maize as a raw material, plantations are often prone to attracting pests, which would also increase the use of pesticides harmful to surrounding ecosystems. These elements can cause soil contamination and erode the land.
Causes blockage in diesel engines
Although biodiesel has the potential to clean engine impurities, it is also true that dirt residues can accumulate in the fuel filter of this machine, causing clogging and other damage.
Its production is limited regionally
As we mentioned earlier, regions with colder climates are not suitable for biodiesel to function well, due to its oily condition.
In addition, the best fuel crops cannot be grown in all regions of the world, increasing production and transportation costs.
Monoculture risk
Monoculture refers to the production of the same crop repeatedly, which leads to an increase in the pest population and multiple environmental problems.
The exclusive production of corn and other materials to generate biodiesel does not contribute to crop rotation, which can result in a irreparable damage to surrounding ecosystems long-term.
Endangers water supplies
Because biodiesel production requires large amounts of water, it is likely that the supply of the vital liquid is threatened locally. This is particularly important in regions where water is scarce.