Biodiesel vs. Renewable Diesel

Attribute	Biodiesel	Renewable Diesel
Source	Vegetable oils, animal fats	Various feedstocks including vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste oils
Production Process	Transesterification of oils/fats with alcohol	Hydroprocessing of oils/fats
Chemical Composition	Primarily fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)	Hydrocarbons with no oxygen content
Energy Content	Lower than diesel fuel	Similar to diesel fuel
Cold Flow Properties	Poor cold flow properties in cold temperatures	Better cold flow properties compared to biodiesel

As the world continues to seek alternative sources of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, biodiesel and renewable diesel have emerged as promising options. Both fuels are derived from renewable sources, but they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the key characteristics of biodiesel and renewable diesel to help you understand the differences between the two.

Production Process

Biodiesel is typically produced through a process called transesterification, which involves reacting vegetable oils or animal fats with an alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, in the presence of a catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). This process results in a biodiesel fuel that can be used in diesel engines without any modifications. On the other hand, renewable diesel is produced through a hydrotreating process, which involves hydrogenating triglycerides or fatty acids to remove oxygen and produce a fuel that is chemically similar to petroleum diesel.

Feedstock

One of the key differences between biodiesel and renewable diesel lies in the feedstock used for production. Biodiesel can be produced from a wide range of feedstocks, including soybean oil, canola oil, palm oil, and animal fats. This versatility in feedstock options makes biodiesel a flexible fuel that can be produced from locally available resources. On the other hand, renewable diesel is typically produced from specific feedstocks, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste fats and oils. This limited feedstock selection can impact the availability and cost of renewable diesel.

Energy Content

When it comes to energy content, biodiesel and renewable diesel have similar characteristics. Both fuels have a higher energy content than conventional diesel, which results in improved fuel efficiency and engine performance. However, renewable diesel has a slightly higher energy content than biodiesel, which can lead to better mileage and lower emissions. This higher energy content of renewable diesel is attributed to its production process, which removes oxygen and impurities to create a fuel with a higher cetane number.

Environmental Impact

Both biodiesel and renewable diesel are considered to be more environmentally friendly than conventional diesel due to their renewable nature and lower carbon footprint. Biodiesel is known for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86% compared to petroleum diesel, making it a popular choice for reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Renewable diesel, on the other hand, has an even lower carbon intensity than biodiesel, with some studies suggesting a reduction of up to 90% in greenhouse gas emissions. This makes renewable diesel a preferred option for companies looking to achieve carbon neutrality.

Compatibility

One of the advantages of biodiesel is its compatibility with existing diesel engines and infrastructure. Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel in various concentrations, such as B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) or B100 (100% biodiesel), without any modifications to the engine. This flexibility in blending ratios allows for a smooth transition to biodiesel without the need for costly upgrades. On the other hand, renewable diesel is also compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure, but it is typically used as a drop-in fuel without any blending. This means that renewable diesel can be used interchangeably with petroleum diesel without any modifications.

Cold Weather Performance

One of the challenges of using biodiesel in cold weather conditions is its tendency to gel and solidify at low temperatures. This can clog fuel filters and cause starting problems in diesel engines. To address this issue, biodiesel blends are often treated with additives to improve cold weather performance. Renewable diesel, on the other hand, has better cold weather performance than biodiesel due to its chemical composition. Renewable diesel has a lower cloud point and better cold flow properties, making it a more reliable fuel option in cold climates.

Cost

Cost is a significant factor to consider when comparing biodiesel and renewable diesel. Biodiesel production costs can vary depending on the feedstock used and the scale of production. In general, biodiesel is more cost-effective to produce than renewable diesel, making it a more affordable option for consumers. However, the cost of biodiesel can be influenced by factors such as feedstock availability, transportation costs, and government incentives. Renewable diesel, on the other hand, is typically more expensive to produce than biodiesel due to the hydrotreating process and the limited feedstock options. This higher production cost can impact the retail price of renewable diesel and make it less competitive in the market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both biodiesel and renewable diesel offer sustainable alternatives to conventional diesel fuel, with unique attributes that cater to different needs and preferences. Biodiesel is a versatile fuel that can be produced from a wide range of feedstocks and is compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure. On the other hand, renewable diesel has a higher energy content, lower carbon intensity, and better cold weather performance, making it a preferred option for companies looking to reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Ultimately, the choice between biodiesel and renewable diesel will depend on factors such as feedstock availability, cost, and environmental impact.