Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends
12. Biodiesel in this context refers to fatty acid methyl esters, which is the most common biodiesel fuel produced and used internationally. It is generally blended with petroleum diesel for use in diesel engines. To provide for the quality of biodiesel and biodiesel blends, the new regulations will need to include specifications for:
- Biodiesel (B100) as a final fuel and as a blending component with petroleum diesel;
- Biodiesel blends to be sold to an end user via a written contract or supply agreement (i.e. non-retail); and
- Biodiesel blends intended for retail sale.
13. A voluntary Biodiesel Standard 'Automotive Biodiesel: Specification for manufacture and blending' (NZS 7500) was published in New Zealand in 2005. This was prepared by a committee consisting of representatives from biodiesel manufacturing companies, the oil industry, government agencies and the motor vehicle industry. It includes specifications for B100, retail B5 blends and non-retail biodiesel blends. The B100 specifications are largely consistent with the widely recognised European Biodiesel Standard (EN14214).
14. The proposed biodiesel and biodiesel blend specifications are based on NZS 7500. Some minor divergences from the standard are needed to reflect recent research into vehicle compatibility and to allow for flexibility in feedstocks.
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