by Tonia Hooper

Created on: July 08, 2010   Last Updated: July 10, 2010

America, along with the rest of the world, are facing serious global environmental issues, with energy security, being one of the most talked about topics. The fears and concerns surrounding the energy security issue such as the following (thought not limited to):

Reliance on foreign sources of energy Depletion of oil and other fossil fuels Environmental issues, in particular climate change Economic efficiency versus population growth debate Energy needs of poorer countries, and demands from advancing countries- such as China and India Geopolitics (such as supporting dictatorships, rising terrorism, and stability of nations that supply energy) Increase in population worldwide Developing countries increase in industrialization

World leaders and scientists continue to debate the fossil fuel issue, some fear that the world is quickly using up its vast, but finite, amount of fossil fuels, and may have possibly - or soon to - peak in the extraction and production of fossil fuels. All agree that it is environmentally, geopolitically and economically sensible to be as efficient as possible in the use of fossil fuels, and to invest in alternative energy sources.  To remain competitive countries should put as much time and money resources as possible into the research and development of alternative, clean burning, and environmentally friendly energy sources. 

Biodiesel is one such alternative energy source.  Biodiesel, a clean burning fuel, is produced from renewable sources such as plant oils and animal fats.  Biodiesel is known for its reduced exhaust pollutants, but it is also attractive because it can be produced easily from poultry (chicken) fat and restaurant waste vegetable oil.  Biodiesel is the product obtained when a vegetable oil or animal fat is chemically reacted with an alcohol to produce fatty acid alkyl esters.  Potassium or sodium hydroxide (lye) is also used in the process as a catalyst. Glycerin, produced as a co-product, can be converted to useable soap. 

Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend, which can be used in traditional diesel engines. Biodiesel was not intended to replace petroleum; in fact, it is one of several alternative fuels designed to extend the usefulness of petroleum, and the longevity and cleanliness of diesel engines.

Benefits of using biodiesel:

Renewable energy source from a variety of resources, making it one of the

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