What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be blended with diesel for use in diesel engines.  It is derived from plant oils or animal fats and is less toxic and biodegrades more quickly than ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD).  Biodiesel (also known as fatty acid methyl ester, or FAME) is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids, produced through a reaction called transesterification.  In its pure form biodiesel is known as B100 (meaning 100% biodiesel; a mix with 5% biodiesel is called B5).  To be suitable for use in automotive applications in Canada, biodiesel must conform to the quality parameters set out in Can/CGSB 3.520 and/or ASTM D6751, according to regional regulation (see below for further details). Raw or refined vegetable oils that have not undergone transesterification are not biodiesel.

What are the types of renewable diesels?

Biodiesel is one of three emerging categories of renewable diesel.  Because it is the type with the greatest history of use and widest adoption in North America, biodiesel is the renewable fuel primarily referred to in this website. Some Canadian markets are also seeing some hydrogenation derived renewable diesel (HDRD) used in addition to biodiesel. HDRD is a fuel similar to petroleum diesel made by processing plant oils in a refining process similar to that used to convert crude oil into diesel and gasoline.  Fischer-Tropsch and other forms of biomass-to-liquid processes for renewable diesel have not yet emerged in the western Canadian market, and are therefore not addressed in this website. For more information about HDRD refer to the Alberta Renewable Diesel Demonstration (ARDD) report.

Figure source: NRCan NRDDI Final Report.

How can biodiesel be used?

Biodiesel can be used in diesel engines at varying blends with petroleum diesel, according to seasonal conditions and equipment types.  Low-level blends of finished fuel (up to B5) that are available at retail pumps and card locks can be used the same way that ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is currently used.

Biodiesel blends can be used in almost any diesel engine from long haul trucks and buses to off-road vehicles and marine vessels at a variety of blending levels (please see OEM Warranty statements for more information about the blend level suitable for your equipment).  Biodiesel can also be used for home heating.  

Why use biodiesel?

Biodiesel and other renewable fuels are being mandated in Canada and elsewhere primarily due to the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions achieved through their use.  For example, biodiesel made from canola is estimated to reduce GHG emissions by 91% compared to typical ULSD according to the analysis performed using GHGenius lifecycle assessment model (version 3.19, current as of March 31, 2011). Across Canada, the GHG reductions from federal and provincial renewable fuel mandates are estimated to avoid emissions of about 4 megatonnes (4 million metric tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e)   per year.  That is a GHG reduction equivalent to taking approximately 1 million cars off the road per year. Biodiesel also burns cleaner, resulting in fewer pollutant emissions, including particulate matter (soot), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO).  Image source: 2009 NREL Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide.  

At blends up to B5, NOx emissions are not materially affected.  However, NOx

emissions may increase or decrease marginally at blends up to B20 depending on the engine type, and trend higher toward B100 (NREL, 2006, Effects of Biodiesel Blends on Vehicle Emissions).  This is relevant, as NOx are smog precursors and greenhouse gases.  Since 2007, new truck engines have been required to include NOx abatement emissions aftertreatment technologies.  Overall, NOx emissions are not expected to be materially affected by low biodiesel blends encountered in mandated markets.

In addition to air quality benefits, developing a biodiesel production industry in Canada will also provide economic benefits, especially for the agriculture sector.

Table source: NREL Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide, 2009.

What about quality?

Fuel suppliers upstream of retail sales will manage the quality and seasonal performance of finished fuel in the same way that ULSD is managed currently.  For users of diesel fuel, low level blends up to B5 can be used, stored and handled in the same way as petroleum diesel. 

The quality of diesel, biodiesel and biodiesel blends in North America are defined by the following quality standards under the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB):  

In addition to specific quality standards, a quality assurance program exists to help fuel industry players measure and track the quality of fuel throughout the supply chain.  This program is known as BQ9000.  BQ9000 is a program that is endorsed by the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association and the National Biodiesel Board in the US. They provide lists of BQ9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers in North America.

How does biodiesel differ from regular diesel?

Biodiesel has some different properties from ULSD that are noteworthy to end users.  Its cetane is higher than ULSD (it starts combustion earlier), and its lubricity is higher (it has better lubrication properties), together often resulting in smoother, quieter engine operation.  By contrast, in pure form its cloud point temperature is higher (special care may need to be taken in colder temperatures). Also, its oxidative stability characteristics are lower (it can lose its inherent properties in a shorter time than diesel).  Fuel suppliers will manage your fuel’s cloud point and oxidative stability to meet seasonal and geographical requirements, similar to how ULSD is currently managed.

Must I change the way I buy fuel?

No.  Fuel vendors will provide low blends (up to E10 or up to B5) through typical distribution channels.  All blending of fuel components to create finished seasonal fuels will be handled by fuel suppliers, either ‘at the rack’ or upstream of being sold at bulk or retail levels.  Higher level blends may be available at public pumps and/or upon request.

If you desire higher level blends consult your supplier.

What blends will be in the pumps?

As a result of regulated renewable fuel requirements the fuel available in retail pumps will typically contain from zero up to 5% renewable content (or up to B5).  A regulated requirement of 2% renewable content means that over the course of the year, and in the geographic region that is mandated, fuel suppliers must include an average of 2% renewable content.  Seasonal and geographic flexibility with blend levels will allow fuel suppliers to provide quality fuel that is fit for purpose at the time of sale for a given region.

Fuel commonly available in the pumps with blends up to B5 is not required to be labeled. However, blends above B5 must be labeled or information about the higher blend must be communicated to the buyer for the fuel supplier to use those volumes toward compliance with federal renewable fuel requirements.  

What about higher blends?

Some jurisdictions, for example BC, require pumps dispensing blends above B5 to be labeled as such, allowing the consumer to choose the appropriate fuel for their equipment.  Higher blends from B6 to B20 and higher may be available for informed consumers who seek it, for applications including for example underground mining operations, agriculture, transport, and other operations with special needs.  Such opportunities vary by location and fuel supplier.  Follow the links to the ‘Suppliers’ page to find vendor contact information.