Point Hope Energy is preparing for commercial production and sale of biodiesel.  Biodiesel is a renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils.  Quality biodiesel is compatible with existing diesel fuel systems, so it is a renewable fuel that can be adopted into the transportation infrastructure immediately.  Compared with typical petroleum diesel, biodiesel reduces engine emissions, provides better lubricity, and possesses superior ignition characteristics. 

The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines biodiesel as "a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D6751”.  The term biodiesel is reserved for 100% ASTM D6751 biodiesel.  Biodiesel is normally blended with petroleum diesel before being sold to end users.

The ASTM D6751 standard has been developed over many years of testing in a variety of diesel engine applications.  As a result of this testing, nearly all diesel engine manufacturers include biodiesel as an acceptable fuel under their warranties.  For a complete listing of OEM statements see the National Biodiesel Board summary chart. 

Biodiesel is not the same thing as raw vegetable oil.  Biodiesel is produced by a chemical process which removes the glycerin from the oil.  The use of straight vegetable oil (SVO) has been shown to reduce engine life due to a gradual build up of carbon deposits within the engine.  SVO has a negative impact on engine lubrication and the high viscosity of SVO is not compatible with some fuel injection systems.

Read more about the Environmental Benefits of biodiesel.