Biodiesel at Le Mans

(D1), the UK-based global producer of biodiesel, is to test the performance of green diesel fuel by sponsoring the entry of a biodiesel powered car in the

global series of sports car races.

The D1 Lola B2K car will be powered by a high performance diesel engine modified to run on a mix of regular diesel and biodiesel produced from vegetable oils. The objective is to test the performance, fuel efficiency and emissions produced by different biodiesel blends. The D1 car and engine are being developed for Le Mans Prototype racing by groupBio, a UK-based racing team.

Under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), announced by the government in November, UK garages will be required to sell diesel blended with biodiesel to a minimum level of 5% by 2010. D1 says biodiesel produces lower emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases than mineral diesel, and is produced from vegetable oils derived from energy crops. These absorb CO2 as they grow, making the net carbon emissions neutral. D1’s objective is to test fuel blends containing 5% (B5), 20% (B20) and 50% (B50) biodiesel, and research the performance and characteristics of biodiesel made from different vegetable oil feedstocks.