What is renewable diesel?

Chad Smith
Apr 8, 2022
Apr 8, 2022

Renewable biodiesel 3.jpg — A soy oil line at a biodiesel plant. Several soybean industry experts are excited about the domestic demand for soybeans growing in the next several years. New crush plants are planned in Nebraska and South Dakota.
Photo courtesy of United Soybean Board

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The terms renewable diesel and biodiesel sound similar. While both start with the same raw material base, they are not quite the same. The differences start at the chemical level in the manufacturing process.

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Renewable biodiesel 4.jpg — A farmer fuels a tractor with biodiesel.
Photo courtesy of United Soybean Board

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Chad Smith can be reached at editorial@midwestmessenger.com.