Biodiesel is an alternative energy source. It is produced from vegetable oils and/or animal fats by a method of purification. Typical sources are soybeans, corn, rapeseed and animal sources. More and more people are making biodiesel at their premises. Provided there is a plentiful supply of reasonable quality oil and work-up is to a good standard then a fuel of sufficient purity to run a car can be made. If making your own is unpractical then some petrol stations are beginning stock it, at prices quite a bit lower than coventional diesel.

The fuel itself, once purified, is a yellow colour. If it’s black, and you’ve made it, check your procedure because there may be too many impurities. Sometimes this occurs from an inbalance of reactants or poor quality source oil.

There are no emission problems with biodiesel, and power from the fuel is similar (but not the same) to conventional oil-derived diesel. Particulates are also similar. Some experts use additives to help the burn process and while evidence suggests that it does help it to run smoother, and increase mpg slightly, there is little evidence of an increase in overall energy.

Since the equipment to make your own biodiesel is getting cheaper, and you are allowed by law to make it for yourself – but you can’t sell it. And there’s a limit to how much you can for your own use – check with customs & excise.

Overall though, biodiesel has the potential to save a lot of money over time so why not begin investigating now?