What is it?

Biodiesel is a liquid fuel that can replace regular diesel fuel. It’s made from vegetable oil. Biodiesel can run diesel engines that are commonly found in big vehicles such as trucks, buses, or boats. On the island of Maui, Biodiesel fuel is already available to county and private fleets.

Why Biodiesel?

• Regular diesel fuel particulates are carcinogenic (can cause cancer). Using biodiesel fuel, or blending it with regular diesel fuel, can reduce the production of these cancer-causing emissions. In other words, it’s healthier!
• Biodiesel can be made from waste vegetable oil (such as used oil from deep fryers at restaurants). This waste oil can be difficult to dispose of. Making fuel out of it can put it to a good use, and at the same time, reduce disposal problems.
• Biodiesel is a renewable fuel.
• Biodiesel can help create new jobs; also, keeping our air clean helps everybody (residents and tourists alike) enjoy Hawaii more.

Did you know?

• Biodiesel can be used in pure form or blended with regular diesel in any proportion.
• Biodiesel can even make engines smell better. An engine powered by biodiesel actually smells like French fries!
• Biodiesel fuel is a good lubricant, which helps engines to last longer. It also has a high cetane rating, which improves engine operation.
• Adding just 20% biodiesel to regular diesel improves the diesel’s cetane rating by 3 points, which makes it a "premium" fuel.
• Biodiesel buses are in use in Europe and in the Midwestern United States.
• Biodiesel is used in sensitive wetland areas to reduce the danger of fuel spills to endangered wildlife.