Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil-or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl, ethyl, or propyl) esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids (e.g., vegetable oil, animal fat (tallow)) with an alcohol producing fatty acid esters.

We have to date been advising growing South African company on their obtaining of reconstituted cooking oil to be used as biofuel. This is being sold in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein as well as other conurbations for their minibus (“taxi”) transportation systems. These minibuses run the breadth of South Africa and are all privately owned.

Biodiesel is perhaps the most popular alternative fuel among Europe hauliers today. It is easy to use, can be mixed with regular diesel when necessary, and at the same time often yields a CO2 reduction of 65 per cent or more, depending on how the fuel is produced.

"The forecast indicates that this year we will produce and deliver about 1,500 Euro 6 trucks built for biodiesel operation. This is a figure I'm very proud of, because it shows that our investment in alternative fuels is not only the most comprehensive in our industry, but also a resounding commercial success. This is a concrete measure of value for Scania's belief that a sustainable future is also a profitable future." says Christopher Podgorski, Senior Vice President Trucks at Scania.