Biodiesel is the fuel that is obtained from natural sources. It burns like ordinary diesel but produces a renewable energy source called biodiesel energy. Biodiesel as a fuel is obtained from natural vegetable oils or animal fats by the process of transesterification. It is a process in which the oils and fats are converted to useful esters and the fatty acids are removed.
There are several reasons why biodiesel energy products are gaining importance as an alternative energy source. It is an environment friendly source of energy that can be easily used in big and heavily polluted cities to reduce pollution and preserve the environment. Biodiesel energy is biodegradable as it breaks down at least five times faster than ordinary diesel. As green renewable energy source it is non toxic as it does not emit either carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide and reduces cancer risks by almost ninety percent. Biodiesel energy products extend the life of vehicle engines and are also less expensive sources of energy. They can be used in diesel vehicles without making any modifications to the diesel engines. Biodiesel energy products have better lubricity and do not cause wear and tear of the engines. They also give more power to the engines as they ignite faster because of high cetane value. Biodiesel energy products are safe to handle because bio diesel is non- flammable and non- explosive. Any spillage of biodiesel energy products into water does not affect the environment adversely.