Wisconsin Biodiesel in

"Bioheat®" - Home Heating Oil

Biodiesel is an advanced fuel alternative to petroleum in not only the compression engine (diesel) fuel market but in all applications that use petroleum distillates. One of the fastest growing markets for biodiesel is its use as a blend in home heating oil.

Bioheat® fuel is the industry accepted name for any blend of pure biodiesel mixed with conventional high or low sulfur home heating oil. This product has become increasingly popular in the northeastern states where much of the home heating oil market exists.

Bioheat® fuel is most commonly made available in blends of 2% (B2) to 20% (B20) biodiesel mixed with petroleum. It is valued in this market for its many “user friendly” properties, including its biodegradability; reduced soot post-combustion; and its more pleasant smell. It is also recognized as a “green” alternative to the petroleum it replaces, and home heating oil companies have discovered growth in this market as Bioheat® gains market share versus even natural gas as a preferred fuel source in some areas.

Numerous tests have been undertaken to examine the properties of Bioheat®. Key observations and findings of these combustion tests show that Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions are frequently reduced by about 20%. Sulfur Oxide emissions are cut by 83%, smoke numbers are lower with Bioheat® fuel, and the odor of middle distillates are reduced. Additionally, when gas leakage during transmission, storage, and distribution are considered, a Bioheat® fuel blend has an environmental cost that is better than natural gas.

Wisconsin has a substantial market for home heating oil, much of which exists within the air quality non-attainment zones as designated by the EPA and which are located in the eastern urban areas of the state. (See also Air Quality Remediation published by WBA) Whereas Bioheat® fuel is valued by the individual customers for the direct benefit it provides, it also serves as a public policy tool to be used in reducing pollutants toward the goal of achieving compliance with federal air quality regulations.

Bioheat® is available only in limited areas at this time in Wisconsin. WBA will be working closely with home heating oil distributors to increase distribution, and we encourage you to contact us to learn how you might gain access to Wisconsin biodiesel to serve your home heating needs.