Short Wave A biodiesel boom (and conundrum)
Oct 20, 2021
Dan Charles, NPR's food and agriculture correspondent, dives into the biodiesel boom that's reshaping energy and agriculture. He discusses how policies are driving oil companies to switch from crude to soybean oil, leaving bakers struggling with shortages. Farmers are cheering, but environmentalists are concerned about deforestation risks tied to increased demand for plant oils. Plus, Charles highlights the technological leap to Biodiesel 2.0 that seeks to use waste products, illustrating the complex balance between renewable energy and food production.
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Soybean Oil Shortage
- Ed Sinko, a purchasing director at Schwebel's Baking Company, struggles to obtain soybean oil.
- Suppliers prioritize biodiesel production, leaving food companies at their mercy.
Biodiesel Boom
- Increased soybean production doesn't alleviate the soybean oil shortage.
- The oil is diverted to biodiesel production due to government policies promoting alternative fuels.
Biodiesel Versions
- Biodiesel 1.0, made from oil, alcohol, and a catalyst, has limitations like cold-weather flow issues.
- Biodiesel 2.0, or renewable diesel, functions like regular diesel and is refinery-produced.