Organizations celebrate World Biofuel Day, International Biodiesel Day Aug. 10

World Biofuel Day and International Biodiesel Day are celebrated Aug. 10, commemorating the date in 1893 when Rudolf Diesel successfully ran his new compression-ignition engine that bears his name—the diesel engine—on peanut oil for the first time in Augsburg, Germany.

Biofuel associations and companies around the world marked the occasion.

“World Biofuel Day is all about moving away from fossil fuels and embracing cleaner, renewable alternatives like biodiesel (FAME and HVO), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other biofuels such as ethanol,” stated the European Biodiesel Board. “Today, we at EBB celebrate the vital role that sustainable biofuels play in driving down emissions and transforming the future of EU transport. As governments and industries work toward a greener tomorrow, increasing the use of biofuel through higher blending mandates offers an immediate, practical way to decarbonize transport using the infrastructure we already have today.”

According to the European Waste-based & Advanced Biofuels Association (EWABA), Europe already has a renewable solution that can strengthen its security of fuel supply while driving fuel costs lower and delivering immediate climate change mitigation.

That solution is sustainable biodiesel.

“Increasing the penetration of higher biodiesel blends across European transport can reduce dependence on imported fossil diesel, make better use of domestically produced waste-based fuels and strengthen regional supply chains,” EWABA stated. “On World Biofuel Day, the message is simple: Europe should make greater use of the renewable fuels it can sustainably produce at home.”

European biodiesel producer Sunoil has been manufacturing biodiesel from waste and residue-based feedstocks since 2006.

“Every year on Aug. 10, we celebrate the role of biofuels and biodiesel as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and the progress our industry continues to make towards a more sustainable energy future,” Sunoil stated. “By giving these resources a new purpose, our biodiesel supports circularity, reduces reliance on fossil resources and can deliver lifecycle greenhouse-gas savings of up to 90 percent compared with fossil diesel. Together with partners such as Optimus Technologies and BFT Tanker Logistics, we also support upfitting solutions that enable existing diesel-powered trucks and vessels to operate on our B100 biodiesel, demonstrating how renewable fuels can be integrated into existing operations and infrastructure.”

Optimus Technologies said International Biodiesel Day is a day to recognize a renewable fuel that’s been helping reduce emissions, strengthen energy independence and support American agriculture for decades.“But biodiesel isn’t just about what it can do—it’s about what fleets are doing with it today,” the company stated. “With today’s technology, fleets no longer have to settle for low biodiesel blends. The Optimus Technologies Vector System enables existing diesel-powered trucks to operate on 100 percent biodiesel (B100) year-round, allowing organizations to significantly reduce scope 1 and scope 3 emissions while continuing to use the vehicles and infrastructure they already have.”

Across North America, Optimus Technologies’ customers have collectively driven more than 200 million miles on equipment upgraded with the Vector System—proving that renewable fuel isn’t a future concept.

“It’s delivering real-world results every day,” Optimus Technologies stated. “This International Biodiesel Day, we celebrate the fleets, drivers, fuel providers, farmers and industry partners who continue pushing the industry forward. Here’s to cleaner transportation, American-made energy, and the continued evolution of biodiesel.”

Michigan-based equipment manufacturer Benecor Inc. also celebrated biodiesel Aug. 10, and the role it plays in creating a more sustainable energy future.

“At Benecor, we understand that storing and dispensing biodiesel—especially B99 and B100—requires more than just a tank,” the company stated. “It takes the right equipment, engineering, temperature control and reliable infrastructure to keep biodiesel performing at its best. From heated and insulated storage systems to turnkey dispensing solutions, Benecor helps customers build dependable biodiesel infrastructure designed for real-world conditions. Today, we’re proud to support the businesses, fleets and industries choosing biodiesel as part of their fuel strategy. Better fuel solutions start with better infrastructure.”

The Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC) shared how renewable fuels play an important role in building a more sustainable, resilient future.

“These sustainable solutions include biodiesel and renewable diesel—biobased fuels produced from renewable resources like soybean oil, used cooking oil, animal fats and other recycled or renewable resources,” MiABC stated. “For fleets, these fuels offer something particularly valuable: the ability to reduce emissions while continuing to utilize assets and fueling infrastructure already in place. From trucks and buses to farm equipment, construction machinery, locomotives and marine vessels, high-quality biobased fuels demonstrate year after year that achieving meaningful emission reductions doesn’t require replacing equipment or investing in new types of infrastructure.”

MiABC noted how biodiesel and renewable diesel also support domestic agriculture, create value for waste fats and oils, strengthen rural economies and diversify the transportation energy supply—helping make our nation more resilient and energy secure.

“World Biofuels Day is a reminder that the transition to cleaner transportation isn’t about a single technology or fuel,” MiABC said. “It’s about putting every effective solution to work in the right application. Biodiesel and renewable diesel are making a difference today.”

BDI-BioEnergy International, the Austria-based process technology provider that has been building biodiesel production facilities for 30 years, took the opportunity Aug. 10 to celebrate one of the world’s most established renewable fuels—biodiesel.

“At BDI, we believe biodiesel is more than an alternative fuel,” the company stated. “By converting used cooking oil, animal fats and other residual feedstocks into high-quality biodiesel, we help drive the circular economy, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon future. On this International Biodiesel Day, we celebrate the innovation and collaboration that continue to make renewable fuels an essential part of the global energy transition.”

Allen Schaeffer, the executive director of the Engine Technology Forum, said, “The success of renewable diesel and biodiesel today demonstrates how Rudolf Diesel’s invention and vision over 100 years ago endures and how renewable diesel and biodiesel are helping write the next chapter in America’s energy story.”

From powering farm equipment and freight transportation to supporting construction and infrastructure development, advanced diesel engines have been central to America’s economic success, ETF noted.

“Today, biodiesel and renewable diesel are helping extend that legacy by providing lower-carbon fuel options that work with existing engines, equipment and fueling infrastructure,” ETF stated.

Schaeffer added, “International Biodiesel Day reminds us that renewable fuels are not only helping reduce emissions today but also ensuring that the engines and equipment that power our economy can continue contributing to American prosperity for generations to come. U.S. EPA’s decision to significantly increase renewable fuel volumes earlier this year sends an important signal that biodiesel and renewable diesel will remain essential components of America’s energy future. These policies provide the certainty needed to encourage investment throughout the supply chain, from farmers and feedstock producers to fuel manufacturers and transportation fleets, helping ensure renewable fuels continue to deliver economic and environmental benefits across the country.”