What is biodiesel?

The journey toward reduced emissions requires the availability and use of a range of fuel types, making Cummins Inc. uniquely positioned to lead in this energy transition. Destination Zero is our strategy to accelerate the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while simultaneously improving air quality by providing the widest range of power technologies for customers to customize their energy transition.

For diesel engine customers who are eager to start lowering their carbon emissions but aren’t yet ready to integrate emerging technologies, biodiesel is one fuel that can support their goals. Customers can integrate biodiesel blends into their fleet for immediate impact on their carbon emissions.

Biodiesel explained

Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease, commonly referred to as used cooking oil.

Biodiesel properties are similar to those of diesel fuel, as opposed to gasoline or gaseous fuels, and are therefore capable of being used in compression ignition engines. Commonly available biodiesel blends such as B20 offer similar engine power, ignition, torque and yield as diesel.

At the heart of biodiesel production is a chemical process known as transesterification. The transesterification process results in molecules called fatty acid methyl esters, or FAME. When Animal fats or vegetable oils react with ethanol or methanol in a transesterification process, the process converts fats and oils into biodiesel and glycerol, a coproduct.

The availability of biodiesel is growing as more production facilities in the U.S. respond to the growing demand for greener fuel sources. In 2020, about 2 billion gallons of biodiesel were produced in the United States.^[1] Over 1,300 refueling stations nationwide offer biodiesels, making the fuel a readily available option for fleets across the country that want to run their businesses on greener, alternative fuels.^[2]

Using biodiesel also offers an immediate and tangible impact on a company’s carbon footprint. Whether used in its pure form or as a blend with conventional diesel, biodiesel provides a versatile solution to reduce emissions, because the fuel is renewable. 

What are the types of biodiesel blends?

B100, pure diesel, is not commonly used in most engines. It primarily serves as a benchmark but is not regularly used due to the risk of performance and maintenance issues in engines that have not been modified specifically to burn biodiesel at the level of purity.

Instead, biodiesel can come in a range of blends. A blend refers to the mixture of biodiesel with conventional diesel and/or renewable diesel. Blends can go all the way down to B7, which is 7% biodiesel and 93% diesel, B5 – 5% biodiesel with 95% diesel, and B2 – 2% biodiesel with 98% diesel.

The most commonly used blend is B20, a 20% biodiesel blend. Fleets looking to lower their carbon intensity in current vehicles today are using this blend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the benefits of using biodiesel?

Switching to biodiesel can lower carbon intensity with minimal investment. As a drop-in fuel, biodiesel blends allow operators of Cummins-powered vehicles to seamlessly transition to cleaner energy, using existing infrastructure to meet their emissions targets effectively. 

Biodiesel can help lower life cycle carbon emissions and customers’ Scope 1 emissions that result directly from the operation of their machinery.

Modern diesel engines rely on fuel to aid in the lubricating process and provide protection against wear and damage. In diesel fuel, removing the sulfur to create ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) eliminated most of the lubricity out of the fuel. Blending as little as 2 percent biodiesel replaces that lubricity. Proper lubricity management can ensure engines run smoother, cooler and more quietly. It also increases long-term durability.

Carbon intensity scores are lower for biodiesel than petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel reduces life cycle carbon emissions because the carbon dioxide released from biodiesel combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed from growing soybeans or other feedstocks used to produce the fuel.

Cummins diesel engines are designed with versatility in mind and are fully compatible with biodiesel blends offering the same reliability and power as petroleum diesel.* 

It’s another example of our mission to improve fleets’ performance and business operations.

Learn more about the benefits of biodiesel.

Can biodiesel work in my Cummins engine?

All Cummins’ automotive and industrial engines are compatible with B5 biodiesel. Most Cummins diesel engines have been approved to use biodiesel blends up to B20. Cummins HELM™ platforms and advanced diesel engines are supporting customers in their journey to lower emissions through biodiesel compatibility. 

Cummins engine technology is helping to push the energy transition forward, ensuring that our company and engines are well-positioned to help businesses and fleets in their sustainability journey, too. Reach out to us at Cummins to hear our expert guidance and learn more about our cutting-edge solutions, including engines and power generators, tailored to meet your sustainability goals.

*Review engine-specific service literature for details on approved blends.

^[1] https://www.cummins.com/news/2022/10/20/state-adoption-among-alternative-fuels

^[2] https://afdc.energy.gov/stations/#/find/nearest?country=US&fuel=BD