Biodiesel:
Bright things ahead
What modestly began as a patent
application in 1937 Belgium by Georges
Chavanne for a “Procedure for the
transformation of vegetable oils for
their uses as fuels” using a process
now called transesterification, has
since become a multi-billion industry
that touches so many aspects of
American life.
Biodiesel, the eventual result of that patent
idea, serves in the on-road transportation,
marine and home heating industries. With its
advantages, instantly obvious to even the most
recent acquaintance of biodiesel, it provides
significant carbon reduction, improved operational
characteristics, domestic jobs, and with its source
of renewable agricultural products, long term
sustainability unmatched by the fuel it naturally
replaces.
This publication contains stories shining the light
on individuals and organizations that have been
instrumental in creating the biodiesel industry; in
conducting research and development to ensure
that it performs optimally and continues to improve;
of entrepreneurs who have ventured forth into the
unknown and continue to add to the production of
biodiesel. You’ll find stories of government servants
who have championed its use and retailers and
marketers who bring biodiesel to the public.
All of these stories have one thing in common: the
embracing of biodiesel to solve specific problems,
while at the same time marshalling in a new
stewardship of our environment and our future.
We face a time when traditional petroleum diesel is
too carbon intensive to be able to satisfy regulators,
policy makers and the international community
as they struggle to meet desired greenhouse gas
levels. Biodiesel, with its carbon neutral long-term
sustainability, is leading the way forward.
Of course, these stories are just snapshots as
biodiesel’s influence continues to grow. There are
multiple states with mandates requiring the use
of biodiesel in on-road transportation or in home
heating. Thousands of children are brought to and
from school by biodiesel-powered buses. Tens of
thousands of people go to work each day to biodiesel
created jobs. Millions of homes are heated each
winter with biodiesel blended into their fuel.
It seems as if Monsieur Chavanne was
looking into our future…and saw bright
things.
Biodiesel Success Stories 5