Replacing conventional ultra low sulphur diesel with biodiesel can produce savings in carbon dioxide emissions of 94 per cent and reductions in energy use of up to 97 per cent. This is according to new research which has been commissioned by the NorthEast Biofuels consortium with the LowCVP (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) and published by Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA). The independent research followed the complete life cycle of biodiesel from UK-sourced oilseed rape seed through production and storage, right up to the pump.

A summary of the research was launched today (23rd May) at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Renewable Fuels Group. The Chairman of NorthEast Biofuels, John Reynolds, said: “We commissioned this research to understand more about the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions during the whole production process for biodiesel. The findings are extremely encouraging and will help us in our future planning to ensure that we are optimizing our processes to make the maximum possible savings. 

“There has been a great deal of publicity around biofuels in recent months and some of it has cast doubt on whether they really can deliver the kind of substantial savings which the government is seeking. This research shows the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 94 per cent. These are significant savings and fully justify the support of the government and the investment being made by the industry.”
/more
The research took account of the energy used and the greenhouse gases produced at every stage of the process. This included all the activity and materials used to produce the crop on the farm, from the time it is planted through to harvesting, transportation and storage, processing into biodiesel, and delivery for use.

The research considered a number of different scenarios to ensure that all factors were taken into account. The option that produced the greatest savings in energy use and carbon emissions involved using the oilseed rape meal, produced as a co-product of processing, as an energy source for co-firing in a power station. The alternative is to use this meal for animal feed. UK report

Alastair Dickie, Crop Marketing Director at HGCA said: “This research shows what can be achieved, but like much of the work carried out during the past few years, it is just the start. The biofuels industry must continue to improve its practices to ensure that biodiesel and bioethanol make significant contributions to reversing climate change in an effective and sustainable way. This kind of initiative will help the industry to do this throughout the chain.”

This leaflet entitled ‘Reducing carbon in a biofuel supply chain’ can be downloaded from the NorthEast Biofuels website at www.northeastbiofuels.com.