BioFuel Availability
Biodiesel
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During 2005, more than 5 million gallons of biodiesel was consumed in Washington State. Demand for biodiesel during 2006, early 2007, has continued to increase, with overall consumption estimated at 10 million gallons per year or more. While this is only an estimate, actual biodiesel and ethanol sales data is currently being collected by the Department of Licensing. This information will be reported to the Legislature as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard legislation.
Most of the current consumption is by large fleets, however, an increasing number of individuals are using biodiesel to fuel their vehicles. There are upwards of 40 biodiesel retail stations in Washington State. The National Biodiesel Board maintains an excellent map showing the locations of these stations, as well as information on biodiesel suppliers and distributors.
Overall, consumer experience using biodiesel in Washington has been positive. However, some fleets have experienced limited problems when fueling with biodiesel. These problems included clogged fuel filters, fuel injector pump problems and engine stalling. Some of these cases can be traced to poor quality fuel, while others may be the result of fuel handling problems. The Washington State Department of Agriculture has adopted a set of standards and testing protocol to ensure that Washington consumers receive quality fuel and avoid any fuel related problems. When purchasing biodiesel it is important to make sure that the fuel meets Washington State standards, which were adopted from NIST and ASTM national fuel standards.
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Because of its inherent solvent properties, there can be some material compatibility issues when handling biodiesel. In older engines, rubber seals and hoses should be replaced as they will degrade after prolonged exposure to biodiesel. Fuel filters should also be checked when first using biodiesel as they may become plugged with accumulated sediments resulting from biodiesel operations. Similarly, onsite fuel storage tanks should be thoroughly cleaned prior to accepting biodiesel to avoid fuel contamination issues. To ensure proper handling and storage, consumers should refer to the Department of Energy publication “Biodiesel and Handling and Use Guidelines” which can be viewed at http://www.afdc.doe.gov/altfuel/bio_papers.html.
Engine warranty issues may also be a concern to potential biodiesel users. Engine manufacturers do not warranty fuel - whether that fuel is biodiesel or petrodiesel fuel. Instead, they warranty the materials and workmanship of their engines. Federal law prohibits the voiding of warranty just because biodiesel was used- it has to be the cause of the failure. If there are engine problems caused by the fuel, and the problems are not related to the materials or workmanship of the engine, it is the responsibility of the fuel supplier and not the engine manufacturer to fix the problem. So, it is important to purchase your fuel from a reliable supplier.
The Engine Manufacturers Association supports the use of biodiesel in blends up to 5 percent, or B5, as long as the biodiesel blending stock meets the ASTM D6751 specification for B100 fuel. Many individual companies support higher blend rates, and the industry as a whole is currently working on standards for higher blends, including B20. Additional information on engine company warranty positions can be found at the Biodiesel Board website.
Ethanol
Ethanol has been used as a gasoline additive in Washington for decades, either to oxygenate gasoline for control of carbon monoxide emissions, or to improve gasoline octane levels. Although the concentration of ethanol in these fuel blends is less than 10 percent, more than 68 million gallons of ethanol was consumed in Washington's transportation sector during 2003, up from about 24.4 million gallons in 2001.
In the U.S., fuel ethanol is mainly produced from corn grown in the Midwest. A bushel of corn (approximately 56 pounds) yields about 2.7 gallons of ethanol. Ethanol can also be produced from a variety of materials which contain starch or sugar, including grains, sugar beets, sugar cane, agricultural and food wastes and cellulosic materials. In 2006, the production capacity of ethanol plants operating in the U.S. exceeds 4.5 billion gallons per year.
While a vehicle powered by 100% ethanol is possible, automakers are manufacturing vehicles capable of operating on both gasoline and ethanol fuel. These vehicles are called flexible fueled vehicles (FFVs) and can operate on a wide blend of ethanol and gasoline; from 0% ethanol and 100% gasoline, up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This gasoline blend is called E85 and is the standard fuel for FFVs.
There are approximately 6 million E85 compatible vehicles operating in the U.S. These vehicles are similar to gasoline vehicles. In fact, most drivers do not even know if they own an FFV, as the vehicle looks and drives the same as an equivalent gasoline powered model. FFVs are fully warranted and available at no extra cost to the consumer. For a list of E85 vehicles available for purchase, visit the Alternative Fuel Data Center, or contact your local auto dealer.
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In Washington State, there are approximately 101,800 FFVs registered with the Department of Licensing. These vehicles are located throughout the state and include all makes and models. By comparison, there are only six 85 fueling stations located in the state, and only two of these are available to the general public. For additional information on fueling site locations, or to determine if your current vehicle is E85 compatible, visit the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition website.
Increasing the number and availability of E85 fueling stations is an important step to expanding the use of biofuels in Washington State. Zipcode maps showing where E85 vehicles are located within state zip code areas has been developed to help prospective retail fuel providers identify opportunity areas for installing E85 refueling stations.
Additional Resources
Biodiesel Refueling Station Locations
Ethanol Refueling Station Locations
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