Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable oil, and so derived from plants (bio) and suitable for use in diesel vehicles – hence the name Biodiesel. It is a stable fuel, performs reliably in all diesel engines, cuts emissions, can be mixed with petroleum diesel, is safe to handle, as biodegradable as sugar and less toxic than salt and will work with all diesel storage and pumping stations. No engine modifications are needed to use Biodiesel in most modern vehicles.  Most importantly it is a non-polluting fuel, essentially carbon-neutral and with emissions orders of magnitude less then fossil diesel.

Sundance Renewables is a non profit taking workers co-operative that has set up the first community based Biodiesel production plant in the UK. We run training courses to help others set up similar schemes, with the benefit of our experience and hindsight!  We also have a Friends of Sundance membership scheme and encourage our customers to join. 

Sundance is able to supply Biodiesel in 25litre containers or 1,000litre IBCs (industrial bulk carriers).  All Biodiesel supplied will be excise duty paid and inclusive of VAT which is paid on the total value, including excise duty.  Please note that there is an excess charge of £1.50 for the 25 litre containers and £50 for the IBC's, however if you bring the containers back then they will be refilled for the price of the diesel only, no extra charge.  Delivery charges may also apply dependent on the area, as unfortunately delivering takes away valuable staff and production time.  Please contact us for more information.

Considerations when using Biodiesel

Biodiesel has excellent cleaning properties, and when used in a vehicle or engine for the first time, deposits built up during the time used on regular diesel (DERV) can become dislodged, and may lead to fuel filter blockage. Although this is rare it has been known to happen, and we recommend when using Biodiesel for the first time, that a blend of DERV and Biodiesel is used for the first month or so, gradually increasing the % of Biodiesel/ DERV from a starting point of around 5%  Biodiesel to the preferred percentage, over the month period.

After the month period, the vehicle, (or Engine) should be serviced and its fuel filter replaced. This will ensure a trouble free changeover to the new fuel blend.

Some older vehicles, are fitted with a type of rubber fuel hoses that can be softened when using Biodiesel fuel  over 50% in DERV.  After around 6 months use, it is recommended that you advise your service department or garage of the possibility of hose softening, where any problems may be dealt with as and when required. If there are any issues with the condition of the engine or any of its fuel system components, then these should be dealt with before changing over to Biodiesel fuel.  It is also advisable to have a full service carried out.

During Winter periods, or when the outside temperature is expected to fall below 5 degrees Celsius, it is recommended that a blend of 50/50 Biodiesel: DERV is used. This is to combat the possibility of fuel waxing, should the temperature go below freezing.

Biodiesel is produced from an organic source and is biodegradable and this is a good thing for the environment should a spill happen, but it can present storage issues. If storing Biodiesel, it should be stored in sealed vessels, and as full as possible to minimise contact with air. The vessels should be stored in a cool, dry place out of  direct sunlight. It  is recommended that Biodiesel is stored for no longer than necessary with a limit of 6 month from date of purchase.

U.K. vehicle manufacturers and suppliers will warrant the use of Biodiesel at 5% in DERV. The same manufacturers on the Continent warrant, in some cases up to 100% Biodiesel for use in their vehicles. Percentages over and above 5%, do not necessarily invalidate warranties here in the U.K. It would be necessary to examine cases of problems, should they arise, and where the problem  can be attributed to the fuel, then the warranty claim would be rejected—but this would apply to DERV also, so there is really no difference in this respect.  We advise that with new cars it is best to contact the vehicle manufacturer for advice if there are any concerns over the use of biodiesel.

Due to the wide variety of vehicles/engines and operating conditions Sundance Renewables cannot be held responsible for any issues raised by the use of any of the fuels provided by us. We provide 100% Biodiesel in containers and it is the responsibility of our customers to determine what mix of Biodiesel: DERV to use.

We endeavour to provide fuels to the highest specifications, and undergo ongoing testing to the relevant standards. A copy of the Testing Data can be made available on request. As in common with all fuel suppliers such as filling stations etc, we cannot be held responsible for any problems of any nature or any liability whatsoever resulting from the use of our fuels. 

We are of course, glad to help with any queries or concerns that you may have, concerning Biodiesel.

Some History and Facts

Professor Rudolf Diesel who invented the diesel engine ran it on peanut oil.  Biodiesel can now be made from used or new vegetable oil.  Using this organic fuel has several environmental advantages over conventional diesel, and can be used directly in any diesel engine without modification.  It is an immediate way to behave sustainably: 

• Carbon dioxide produced in burning the fuel is to a large extent offset by that absorbed by the growing plant used to produce the oil. As the carbon is already in the system, Biodiesel can be said to be largely carbon neutral.  Unlike fossil fuels, it does not contribute to a net increase in greenhouse gas CO2 often blamed for global warming.

• Non-toxic and readily bio-degradable; petroleum diesel by contrast is highly toxic and does not readily degrade.

• Biodiesel produces significantly less polluting substances from the tailpipe - the fumes smell of  a tasty fry-up in contrast to petroleum diesel fumes Dependent on renewable resources.

• Biodiesel can be made from recycled materials that are often dumped, keeping resources in the system and cutting down on pollution and waste.

• Produceable locally – reducing distribution and transport costs and providing security of supply as well as retaining wealth in the local economy.

Biodiesel is far less dangerous to store and transport than mineral diesel because it is non toxic and readily biodegradable, and has a much higher flash point than mineral diesel.  There is now a wealth of information available about Biodiesel, for instance at Allied Biodiesel Industries.

Thank you for considering Biodiesel and for showing concern for the Environment.