Bio-diesel is a liquid fuel that can replace regular diesel fuel. It’s made from vegetable oil. Bio-diesel can run diesel engines that are commonly found in big vehicles such as trucks, buses, or boats. On the island of Maui, Bio-diesel fuel is already available to county and private fleets.

Regular diesel fuel particulates are carcinogenic (can cause cancer). Using bio-diesel fuel, or blending it with regular diesel fuel, can reduce the production of these cancer-causing emissions. In other words, it’s healthier! Bio-diesel can be made from waste vegetable oil (such as used oil from deep fryers at restaurants). This waste oil can be difficult to dispose of. Making fuel out of it can put it to a good use, and at the same time, reduce disposal problems. Bio-diesel is a renewable fuel and creates new jobs.

Did you know?

• Bio-diesel can be used in pure form or blended with regular diesel in any proportion.
• Bio-diesel can even make engines smell better. An engine powered by bio-diesel actually smells like French fries!
• Bio-diesel fuel is a good lubricant, which helps engines to last longer. It also has a high cetane rating, which improves engine operation.
• Adding just 20% bio-diesel to regular diesel improves the diesel’s cetane rating by 3 points, which makes it a "premium" fuel.
• Bio-diesel buses are in use in Europe and in the Midwestern United States.
• Bio-diesel is used in sensitive wetland areas to reduce the danger of fuel spills to endangered wildlife.

Bio-Diesel Links