What are the common uses of biodiesel?
Biodiesel can be used wherever Regular Diesel (HSD) are being used as Biodiesel is a perfect substitute of Diesel.
As an alternate Fuel, Biodiesel is broadly used in Automobiles, Construction & Mining Equipments, Farming Equipments, Diesel Locomotives, Boilers and Diesel Generators, etc. It is also being used as raw materials for specialty chemicals, Jute & Textile, etc.
Oil Marketing Companies in India (IOCL, HPCL, BPCL) blend Biodiesel (B-100) upto 5% to Petro Diesel & Sale the Blend through their Retail Outlets.
Indian Railways uses 5% blend of biodiesel with petro diesel to run its locomotives.
State Transport Corporation in Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka, West Bengal, etc. uses blend of Biodiesel with petro diesel in their latest fleet of Transports.
What are the industrial applications of biodiesel other than in the transport sector?
Biodiesel or petroleum diesel - which is better in terms of impact on human health?
Scientific research confirms that biodiesel emissions have a less harmful impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel. Pure biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH compounds that have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds.
Is biodiesel supplied at a firm price on annual contract basis?
As Feed stock prices fluctuate, therefore it is difficult to have a yearly contract for Supply of Biodiesel.
Does a vehicle's diesel engine need specific changes to switch to biodiesel?
No change is required. As per BIS (Bureau of Indian Standard), for any Mobile Application, upto 20% Blend of Biodiesel with Petro Diesel can be used without any major modification in the Engine.
Can one switch between biodiesel and regular diesel usage?
Yes, switching between the two fuel sources causes no harm to the engine. In fact, diesel and biodiesel can also be blended and used at the consumer's end.
Is biodiesel good for the engine?
Biodiesel helps to clear external particles deposited in the Engine. Also its lubricating properties increase the life of an engine.
Does biodiesel manufacturing consume more energy than what the fuel actually gives back?
No. Biodiesel has one of the highest energy-balance of any liquid fuel. The DOE/USDA lifecycle analysis computes that for every unit of fossil energy it takes to make biodiesel, energy gained is 3.5 units.
Is there any government subsidy or tax benefit on the use of biodiesel?
As per latest GST Rules, Biodiesel attracts 12% GST. Since no Excise Duty or Value Added Tax are applicable on Biodiesel, manufacturers are able to offer a price competitive to petro-diesel.