Biodiesel 101: What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a clean-burning, renewable fuel. It can be produced from a variety of fats and vegetable oils, including: oilseeds such as canola and soybeans, rendered animal fats, recycled restaurant grease, and palm oil. It can also be made from biomass such as from algae blooms.

Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but is typically blended with petroleum-based diesel to create a biodiesel blend between 2-20%, although it can be used up to 100% in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with no major modifications. Biodiesel is used widely throughout Europe.

Technical Definition: Biodiesel, n—a fuel composed on mono-alkl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D6751.

A 5% renewable fuel standard (RFS) in Canada will result in benefits for our environment and economy. Please read the fact sheets and FAQs here to learn more.