Every August 10th, International Biodiesel Day is commemorated, a day that pays tribute to the moment in 1893 when German engineer Rudolf Diesel operated his first engine using palm oil as fuel.
That milestone marked a starting point for the development of biofuels as an alternative to fossil derivatives, paving the way for new, more sustainable and environmentally friendly forms of energy production. Today, more than a century later, biodiesel remains a key option in the transition toward a decarbonized energy model.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from used vegetable oils, animal fats, or oilseed crops. This fuel is a more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel, as it reduces polluting emissions and utilizes waste that could otherwise harm the environment.
Uses of biodiesel
Biodiesel is mainly used in conventional diesel vehicles, either alone or blended with diesel fuel in different proportions. In addition, it is suitable for agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, electric generators, and public or corporate transport fleets, without the need for complex adaptations.
Main benefits
Biodiesel is made from waste such as used cooking oil, which contributes to the circular economy. It reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional diesel and helps decrease dependence on fossil fuels, providing greater local energy autonomy. In addition, recycling used oil prevents pollution, as a single liter of oil can contaminate up to 1,000 liters of water if disposed of incorrectly. Finally, biodiesel is compatible with existing diesel engines, without requiring major changes to vehicles.
Biodiesel in the Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, several initiatives are being promoted to encourage the use of biodiesel. Notable examples include the collection of used household cooking oil for recycling and industrial projects such as Atlantic Biofuels in Gran Canaria, which transforms thousands of liters of used oil into biofuel. Furthermore, historically, the CEPSA refinery in Tenerife was a pioneer in the Archipelago in processing used vegetable oil to produce biodiesel.
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Pick-up points in Tenerife
In Tenerife, there are multiple ways to dispose of used vegetable oil for its proper management:
- Specific containers: Several municipalities on the island have containers enabled exclusively for the collection of used domestic vegetable oil. These containers are usually located in accessible points such as residential areas, educational centers, or municipal facilities, making it easy for citizens to deliver them correctly. This system allows oil to be recycled comfortably and safely, avoiding its disposal down the drain and favoring its transformation into biodiesel.
- Clean points: Many municipalities have clean points where domestic oil can be deposited free of charge.
- Home collection: Some authorized companies offer direct collection services in homes, businesses, or educational centers.
All collected oil is transported to specialized plants where it is transformed into biodiesel, a clean fuel that contributes to reducing emissions and urban waste.
Recycling used oil, a key gesture
Recycling used oil is a simple gesture that has a great impact. Pouring it down the sink pollutes and damages the environment, while taking it to collection points allows it to be converted into clean and renewable energy. Thus, each person can actively contribute to the circular economy and the energy transition of the Canary Islands.
Biodiesel proves that waste can be turned into a resource. Betting on this biofuel means moving towards cleaner, more local energy that is more respectful of our environment.
