The National Biodiesel Board says the energy efficiency of biodiesel is improving. A study in 1998 showed that biodiesel’s energy balance, the amount of energy required to produce it versus its energy yield, was 3.2 to one. That was the best on the planet, according to Joe Jobe, CEO of the NBB.
But Jobe says an updated, USDA funded study from the University of Idaho indicates that energy balance is now 4.5 units to one.
“Not only does biodiesel have the best energy balance of any fuel on the planet, in terms of transportation fuel, but it’s improving over time,” Jobe told Brownfield at NBB Headquarters in Jefferson City, Missouri.
At the same time, Jobe says as finite supplies of fossil fuels become harder to reach, their energy balance is worsening.
“This study is more evidence that biodiesel has significant net benefits to our energy supply, to just conservation overall and the ability to use domestic energy,” said Jobe.
The study is especially timely as the NBB works with the EPA to see a workable implementation of RFS-2, the renewable fuels standard, said Jobe.
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