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Updated 06/16/2008
Bioenergy
Frequently Asked Questions
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WHAT IS BIOENERGY?
Bioenergy is the energy created from biomass, which includes plant-derived material such as trees, grasses, crops, household waste or other organic matter. Bioenergy is a renewable resource and can be used to reduce America's dependence on imported energy sources.WHAT IS BIODIESEL?
Biodiesel is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel produced from canola, mustard, rapeseed, palm or soybean oil. Biodiesel can also be produced from animal fats or waste vegetable oils. It is a petroleum diesel fuel substitute, and can be blended at any ratio with petroleum diesel. Much of the biodiesel used in the United States is a 20-percent biodiesel / 80-percent petroleum diesel blend referred to as B20. Some filling stations also supply B100 -- 100 percent biodiesel content. Biodiesel blends of up to 5 percent do not require any special labeling.HOW IS BIODIESEL MADE?
Biodiesel is made through a chemical reaction when an alcohol is introduced to the oils pressed out of canola, soybeans or other oilseeds. The process creates methyl ester (biodiesel) and the byproduct glycerin. The crushed oilseeds can also be used as feed for farm animals.WHY USE BIODIESEL?
Biodiesel comes from renewable and domestic resources, so it reduces America's dependence on imported oil. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, clean burning and has beneficial engine lubrication and solvent characteristics. Its competitive price, especially in the face of increasing oil prices, adds to its appeal. The use of biodiesel also supports American farmers and the rural economy.CAN MY VEHICLE USE BIODIESEL?
Although biodiesel will work in all diesel engines at any ratio with petroleum diesel with little or no engine modification, some vehicle manufacturer warranties will only allow for a maximum B5 (5-percent biodiesel / 95-percent petroleum diesel) blend. However, the use of blends higher in biodiesel is common, including B100, B99 and B20. Please check with your vehicle manufacturer for specific warranty guidelines.WHERE DO I GET BIODIESEL?
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) website provides locations to purchase biodiesel.http://www.biodiesel.org
WHAT IS ETHANOL?
Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is a fuel derived from grain, usually corn, sugarcane or other biomass sources. It is blended with gasoline to produce a widely-used motor fuel. According to the American Coalition for Ethanol, it is blended into about 35-percent of the gasoline used in the United States. A 10-percent ethanol / 90-percent gasoline blend, called E10, is commonly used for gasoline-powered vehicles. The new Flexible Fuel Vehicles or FFVs can use E85, an 85-percent ethanol / 15-percent gasoline blend. All blends with ethanol content between E10 and E85 are currently prohibited under federal law.HOW IS ETHANOL MADE?
Ethanol is made from milling, cooking, fermenting, distilling and denaturing the starch from milled grain. Byproducts include carbon dioxide and distillers grain, a nutritious livestock feed. In cellulosic ethanol production, other types of biomass, including wheat stalks and forest products waste, can be used to produce the ethanol. Continued research is needed to develop the commercial viability of this technology.WHY USE ETHANOL?
Like biodiesel, ethanol is a clean burning and renewable source of energy. Its use is better for the environment, supports American farmers and reduces America's dependence on foreign oil. Since a 10-percent ethanol blend can be used in any gasoline vehicle, ethanol content is not always labeled at the pump. In some areas the use of E10 is mandated to reduce emissions and consumers don’t have the option to choose 100-percent gasoline or E10.CAN MY VEHICLE USE ETHANOL?
Gasoline-powered cars can use ethanol blends. Since the 1980s, all automakers have covered the use of E10 under their warranties. E85 is an alternative fuel and can be used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles.WHERE CAN I BUY E85 FOR MY FFV?
The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition website offers information on where E85 can be purchased.http://www.e85fuel.com
WHAT IS AN ANAEROBIC DIGESTER?
An anaerobic digester is a covered lagoon or large tank that uses a temperature-controlled environment to promote the decomposition of animal manure by bacteria in the absence of oxygen. The sealed design collects methane gas, a byproduct of the digestion process. The methane can be burned to power electrical generators. Through managing animal waste, environmentally friendly anaerobic digesters also reduce farm odor, protect water quality and produce valuable compost and fertilizer.
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