When it comes to biofuels, there is typically talk of two different forms being classified as 1st and 2nd generation biodiesel. The two types are divided according to the type of material the biodiesel is produced from.
1st generation biodiesel
First-generation biofuels are produced from crops directly from the fields, such as cereals, maize, sugar beet and cane, and rapeseed. In Europe rapeseed oil is primarily used for biodiesel.
2nd generation biodiesel
Second-generation biofuels are produced from residual and waste products from, for example, industry and households. Large quantities of used frying oil and slaughterhouse waste are also used.
Functionality:
Contrary to many people’s beliefs, biodiesel does not damage the engine, but instead it is cleaning it.
1st generation biodiesel (B100 Biodiesel RME), however, requires that you initially change the fuel filter a little more often, in order to remove the particles that are in the filter from previous fuel. The price for 1st generation biofuels is typically a little bit lower compared to ordinary diesel (in Sweden) and to 2nd generation biofuels, so there can also be an economic gain by switching to this.
You can read more about the B100 Biodiesel RME here.
2nd generation biodiesel (HVO100 Renewable Diesel) does not require any modifications as it is compatible with all diesel engines.
You can read more about HVO100 Renewable Diesel here.
Advantages:
There are several benefits to using biodiesel, as the technology is already developed and ready for implementation right away, and then it can help reduce the annual CO2 emissions. In addition, there is also an added benefit because it removes animal fat from the market, which would otherwise be an unused resource.
Also, biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic and emits fewer particles than ordinary diesel (this applies to 2nd generation biodiesel).
See more in the video below:
