What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a renewable, clean burning fuel made from vegetable oils
and animal fats. The renewable fuels market is growing and expanding every day.
Because of sky-rocketing crude and gasoline prices there is a big demand for
alternative fuels. Recently, both the President and U.S. Legislators are demanding
that we find renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
As a result, the future of biodiesel is now whether it is driven by legislation
or pure economics. This alternative fuel source is firmly a part of the American
consciousness.
How is biodiesel
manufactured?
Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification
whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil.
The process leaves behind two products—methyl esters (the chemical
name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a byproduct used in soaps, cosmetics,
pharmaceuticals, animal foods, fuel source when combined with coal
or oil fired boilers, and other products).
Why is
biodiesel better than petroleum fuel?
Biodiesel is biodegradable, nontoxic and essentially free of sulfur and
aromatics. Petroleum fuel has long been the preferred fuel for our everyday consumption.
However, the effects that petroleum has on our environment and our national security
as well as the economy have encouraged the biodiesel industry to grow and
develop stronger markets for domestic production. Biodiesel is the fuel
of the 21st Century that will help to alleviate negative trade deficits and contribute
to a positive economy in the U.S. transportation sector.
Can
I use biodiesel?
Yes, biodiesel has successfully powered vehicles over millions of miles in the
US and around the world. Even if you have a blend as low as 20% (B20) it meets
Federal requirements for EPACT credits and qualifies diesel engines as alternative
fueled vehicles. There
is no need to modify your engine to accept biodiesel. Biodiesel reduces
unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. It has 66% more
lubricity than the number two petroleum diesel thus reducing engine wear. Finally,
biodiesel has been approved for use throughout the U.S.
What do I need to consider starting a biodiesel company?
There are many factors an entrepreneur needs to consider to start their own biodiesel company, for example: location; to build a plant or take over an existing plant; marketing considerations such as local, regional, national or international markets; retail, city, state and government fleets; customer product and by-product specifications.
Then there is feedstock consideration such as availability and cost of feedstock, multiple feedstock opportunities, quality and consistency of feedstock, preparation for meeting new ASTM Standards.
Financial considerations must be taken into account such as federal subsidies, state subsidies, return on investment, debt and equity options and much more.
If all of this sounds overwhelming, then let the consulting team of PEI take you from inception to implementation. We strategically help to place your biodiesel business. We select the best technology that processes multiple feedstock's into high quality biodiesel. The results will maximize your sustainable profit margins.
By partnering with Progressive Energies, Inc. As leaders in the industry we offer your company project development and management services. We are with you from inception to implementation and beyond. From finding the right manufacturing facility, to the latest technical processes, to the best feedstock to use, to implementing a continuous flow technology, we partner with you every step of the way.
[ Contact Progressive Energies today
