|
Why use biodiesel?
Biodiesel has been demonstrated to have significant environmental benefits in terms of decreased global warming impact , reduced emission , greater energy independence and a positive impact on agriculture .
Various studies have estimated that the use of 1 kg of biodiesel leads to the reduction of some 3 kg of CO 2. Biodiesel is extremely low in sulphur and has a high lubricity and fast biodegradability. These are all advantages which have been confirmed by the Auto Oil II programme.
Increased use of biodiesel in Europe represents an important step for the European Union in meeting its emission reduction target as agreed under the Kyoto agreement. It is believed that reducing emission also alleviates various human health problems.
In specific cases, used vegetable oils can be recycled as feedstock for biodiesel production. This can reduce the disposal of used oils in the environment.
Biodiesel production also plays a useful role in agriculture. Under the current Common Agricultural Policy, the arable raw materials needed for biodiesel production may be grown on set-aside land which would otherwise be taken out of production.
|
