Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative to diesel fuel that is produced from animal fats, vegetable oils, and even from algae. It is renewable, domestically produced, and readily available in Virginia. Biodiesel can be used unblended (100% biodiesel, otherwise known as B100), or blended with petroleum diesel as B5 (5% blend of biodiesel with diesel), B10(10% biodiesel), B20 (20% biodiesel), etc. Whereas only B100 is defined as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), the Biodiesel Final Rule (PDF 142 KB) made it possible for fleets to earn EPAct credits for use of biodiesel blends of at least 20%. This rule does not make B20 an alternative fuel, but gives one credit for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel used in biodiesel blends.
Besides reducing emissions of air pollutants, using biodiesel (either B100 or blends) raises cetane for less engine knock and enhances lubricity and keep engines clear of deposits.
Thinking about producing biodiesel?
Download the Virginia Biodiesel Environmental Compliance Primer
Where can biodiesel be purchased in Virginia?
Click one of the links below for a list of biodiesel retail locations in Virginia.
In addition, the Alternative Fuels Data Center has a web-based tool that allows you to search for refueling stations offering alternative fuels close to your address: Alternative Fuel Station Locator
Learn more about biodiesel
Virginia Clean Cities is a government-industry partnership designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector by advancing the use of alternative fuels and vehicles, idle reduction technologies, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel blends, and fuel economy.
Biodiesel information from the DOE's Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center
National Biodiesel Board is the national trade association representing the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the United States
Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium is currently researching the feasibility and economics of culturing algae for biodiesel production
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