Does it it take as much or more energy to grow the fuel for biodiesel as comes from the finished product?
Biodiesel has a positive energy balance. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that 100% biodiesel has a net energy gain of 220% over input. Petroleum diesel (similar to #2 heating oil), has a net energy loss of 17%1.; Another study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance found that the ratio for 100% biodiesel can be as high as 251%2. A study by the United States Departments of Energy and Agriculture found a 3.2 to 1 positive life cycle energy balance, beginning with bare ground and counting all inputs for growing, harvesting, processing and transportation3.
