What is Biodiesel and How is it Made?
Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement made from a diverse mix of feedstocks including recycled cooking oil, plant oils (primarily soybean oil), and animal fats. It is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel in commercial-scale production across the country.
The technical definition of biodiesel: a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D 6751.
Quick Facts on Biodiesel
How Biodiesel is Made
Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. Most biodiesel is made from soybean oil or used cooking oil from the restaurant industry, but it can be made from most any renewable plant or animal fat.
The process of transesterification leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold to be used in soaps and other products).
Where Biodiesel is Made
Biodiesel is produced across North America and the world. There are three plants in Kentucky producing Biodiesel.
Owensboro Grain Company produces a vast array of products from soybeans in western Kentucky. They began refining biodiesel in 2008 and have the ability to produce 45 million gallons per year. Because of their location on the Ohio River, they are able to respond quickly to market demands by being able to ship by truck, rail, or river and can supply to the world marketplace.
Griffin Industries, a subsidiary of Darling Ingredients, is located in Butler, KY. They utilize natural, renewable resources such as vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled cooking oils to make biodiesel for use by private companies and in the local retail fuel supply. They collect and repurpose billions of pounds of inedible materials annually into useable and specialty ingredients.