Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that is manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease for use in diesel equipment. Biodiesel’s physical properties are similar to those of petroleum diesel, but it is a cleaner-burning alternative. Kentucky produces 68 million gallons of biodiesel from soybean and recycled vegetable oil.

Renewable hydrocarbon biofuels are fuels produced from biomass sources through a variety of biological, thermal, and chemical processes. These products are similar to petroleum fuels in chemical makeup and are therefore considered infrastructure-compatible fuels. It is expected that these fuels can be used in vehicles without requiring engine modifications and can use existing petroleum fuel pipelines and retail distribution systems.

Biodiesel One Pager

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Basics of Biodiesel

Find information about biodiesel blends, production and distribution, specifications, research and development, and related links.

Basics of Renewable Hydrocarbon Biofuels

Find information about renewable hydrocarbon biofuels types, production, research and development, and related links.

Where to Purchase Biodiesel in Kentucky

View a map of retail locations.

Who is Producing Biodiesel in Kentucky

Find out about local producers of industry certified biodiesel.

Kentucky Incentives for Biodiesel

Find available incentives and funding opportunities.

Biofuels Advisory Committee

Find information about our Biofuels Advisory Committee.

Biodiesel Projects in Kentucky

UPS Worldport

Louisville, KY

UPS installed two biodiesel storage tanks on the Worldport property in Louisville in April 2011. The installation was part of UPS’s goal to reduce their carbon footprint 20% by 2020. The 30,000 and 5,000 gallon tanks enable UPS to provide biodiesel usage in over 300 pieces of ground support equipment.

Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD)

Louisville, KY

Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) required in a fuel purchasing contract with Thornton’s to include a B20 blend. MSD uses B20 in all heavy duty equipment.

Carmeuse Lime Mines

Maysville, KY

As a result of a major air quality testing project two of the largest lime mining projects in the nation switched to B99, using one million gallons per year between the two mines.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave, KY

Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP) has been using biodiesel for years, and is the first national park in the country to be powered by 100% alternative fuel. They use B20 in all diesel vehicles and support equipment, including ferries that navigate the Green River. Mammoth Cave National Park sits on more than 52, 000 acres and has 80+ employees. This was the first 100% alternatively fueled national park in the country of 385 national parks in all.

Biodiesel Module

National Alt Fuels Training Consortium

What is Renewable Hydrocarbon Diesel?

Dave Slade, Renewable Energy Group