Every August 10st is celebrated the International Biodiesel Day, a date that refers to the first successful start of Rudolf Diesel's engine with vegetable oil, and which today serves to take the pulse of a key technology for the decarbonization of transport.
The anniversary invites us to look at the past to understand the present: From the experiment with oils to modern industry, through chemical advances, new renewable fuels, and policies that are redefining the energy mix in different countries.
Origin of the commemoration: from Diesel's workshop to history
Rudolf Diesel set out to overcome the low efficiency of steam engines of his time, inspired by the theoretical limits described by Sadi Carnot; his goal was to achieve a much more efficient internal combustion engine.
The road was not easy: in 1892 An ammonia-fueled prototype exploded, causing serious injuries and his mentor Carl Linde withdrawing his support. However, he found support in Heinrich von Buz (MAN), which allowed development to continue.
One year later, the August 10th, 1893Diesel managed to successfully start his engine using Palm oilThis day marks a turning point toward bio-based fuels.
In 1897, MAN introduced a 25 hp four-stroke diesel engine that could run on a variety of fuels, from vegetable oils even light petroleum fractions. This versatility anticipated a range of energy options for industrial and transportation uses.
What is biodiesel and how is it obtained?
Biodiesel is a fatty acid methyl ester produced by transesterification: a chemical reaction that reduces the high viscosity of oils, making them suitable for modern diesel engines.
The raw materials are varied and adapted to each region, which gives biodiesel great flexibility in supply and cost:
- Vegetable oils: soybeans, sunflowers, rapeseed, palm and other oil crops.
- used oils kitchen, which allow waste to be recovered.
- Animal fats (sebum and other lipid fractions).
Biodiesel can be used pure or mixed with fossil diesel in different percentages, depending on local regulations and the compatibility of engines and infrastructure.
Along with FAME, the renewable diesel or HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), obtained by hydrotreatment at high temperature and pressure, which generates paraffinic hydrocarbons very similar to fossil diesel.
Environmental impact and policies that set the course
Considering the complete cycle, biodiesel and renewable diesel can achieve a emission reduction of up to 80% compared to conventional diesel; studies in Argentina estimate the drop in biodiesel prices at around 70%.
Since the 90s, concern about the climate change and energy security prompted mandatory blending mandates in numerous countries, boosting demand and professionalizing the supply chain.
In Europe, the regulation RefuelEU Aviation sets increasing percentages of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Many converted refineries produce SAF and extract it as an associated stream. HVO, although its cost is usually higher than that of FAME.
Biodiesel, with lower barriers to entry, opened the door to new actors industrial and regional; HVO is best suited for existing oil facilities. These technologies complementary, but they require differentiated policies.
Argentina and the region: lights, shadows and opportunities
Argentina became the the world's leading exporter of biodiesel, supported by a competitive agro-industrial complex. However, trade limits were encountered: EU quotas following disputes in the WTO and tariffs close to 150%. in the US, in addition to exclusions from incentives for imported biofuels.
On the domestic front, the mandate for Argentine mixing is around 7,5%., while Brazil has moved towards B15. In parallel, the US EPA proposes to expand the biological diesel (which includes FAME and HVO), consolidating its role in the energy transition.
Industry experts call for a new law with clear rules, growing objectives and integration of large exporters, SMEs and new winter crops such as carinata, safflower, camelina or rapeseed to diversify raw materials.
Future of biodiesel
The reactivation does not start from scratch: there are industrial capacities, export history, infrastructure, scientists and technicians, as well as a flexible agroindustry capable of supplying biomass without putting pressure on the agricultural frontier.
This August 10th, the commemoration transcends the symbolic: biodiesel is not a thing of the past, is present and future. It is a concrete tool to reduce emissions, generate employment, strengthen regional chains and move towards a cleaner and more diversified energy matrix.
