Some More Interesting facts

The biodiesel has many positive attributes and they are being summarized as:

i. It is plant-derived, not petroleum-derived, and as such its combustion eliminates life cycle carbon-dioxide emissions, a “greenhouse” gas since carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is recycled in the photosynthesis process occurring in the plants used as raw materials for biodiesel production.

ii. It can be domestically produced, offering the possibility of reducing petroleum imports.

iii. The higher Cetane number of biodiesel compared to fossil diesel indicates the potential for higher engine performance.

iv. It is biodegradable

v. Relative to conventional diesel fuel, biodiesel reduces emission of particulate matter by 40%, unburned hydrocarbons by 68%, carbon monoxide by 44%, sulphates by 100%, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) by 80%, and carcinogenic nitrated PAHs by 90%, on average. The use of biodiesel complements the working of the catalyst or and can help a current Euro-I vehicles attain the Euro-III standards, thus significantly reducing the environmental pollution.

vi. The superior lubricating property of biodiesel increases the engine efficiency.

vii. The higher flash point of biodiesel makes it safe to store.

viii. The biodiesel molecules are simple hydrocarbon chains, containing no sulphur which is concern in crude oil derived petroleum products.

ix. Biodiesel contains higher amount of oxygen (up to 10%), which ensures complete combustion of hydrocarbons.

x. Use of biodiesel will lead to increased energy independence as well as increased economic activity from fuel production and utilization.

xi. Generation of new employment opportunities in cultivation, processing and production of biodiesel.

xii. Addition to the renewable energy options for decentralized distributed generation (DDG) of electricity and for motive power applications (water pumping, milling, etc.) in energy deficient rural India

xiii. Greening of wastelands and regeneration of degraded forest-lands, thereby helping in eco restoration and preventing further land degradation

xiv. Empowerment of village community through enhanced livelihood opportunities