Biodiesel is cleaner: CSIRO report

Using pure biodiesel or blending biodiesel with standard fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a CSIRO report released recently.

The report, The greenhouse and air quality emissions of biodiesel blends in Australia, assesses the emission levels and environmental impacts of biodiesel produced from sources including used cooking oil, tallow (rendered animal fat), imported palm oil and canola.

CSIRO Energy Transformed National Research Flagship researcher and report author, Dr Tom Beer believes wider use of biodiesel in Australia could help address the high greenhouse gas emissions of our nation's transport sector.

"The results of this study show biodiesel has the potential to reduce emissions from the transport industry, which is the third largest producer of greenhouse gases in Australia, behind stationary energy generation and agriculture," Beer said.

"The greenhouse gas savings do, however, depend on the feedstock used to produce the biodiesel. The highest savings are obtained by replacing base diesel with biodiesel from used cooking oil, resulting in an 87% emission reduction.

The report also showed the use of biodiesel reduces the particulate matter released into the atmosphere as a result of burning fuels, providing potential benefits to human health.

While the results are encouraging, CSIRO acknowledges further research is required to establish the viability of the biofuels industry and address issues with sustainability, technological improvements and economic feasibility.