AA backs biodiesel

Biodiesel is a viable, environmentally friendly, affordable fuel for diesel vehicles, the Automobile Association (AA) explains in Driven.

Biodiesel is made from renewable resources, like vegetable oils or animal fats, the AA says. Z’s new Z Bio D is made from inedible tallow — a meat processing waste product – while Gull’s biodiesel is made from fish and chip shop waste oil. Gull’s bioethanol is made from waste products from beer and milk production. The AA says there are “clear environmental benefits” to using biodiesel, as it reduces carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by almost four per cent per tank. Generally, anyone with a diesel vehicle can fill their tank with biodiesel without modifications or extra turning, the AA says. Vehicle performance is not affected. The New Zealand specification for diesel blending allows the use of a mineral diesel blended with a maximum of five per cent biodiesel. Those making the switch to biodiesel don’t even have to wait for an empty tank, as biodiesel is a blended fuel, so mineral diesel and biodiesel can be mixed, the AA says.