RME can effectively eliminate injection problems in direct-injected diesel engines. The fuel properties of RME are similar to those of diesel fuel. The mass flow diagram for the production of rape seed oil and RME shows that 1 hectare can yield 3180 kg of rape seed and 5470 kg of rape straw. Rape oil is one of the best fuels from renewable agricultural resources. Glycerol is a raw material for the chemical industry.
Honey can also provide an increased saving in biodiesel production.
Methane fermentation Methane fermentation is a well investigated process. In the thermophilic regime, the inactivation of the pathogenic microflora, helminths and weed seeds as well as biodegradation of pesticides were stimulated. However, mesophilic methane fermentation proved to be energetically more attractive. To increase the methane yield from pig manure, herbage juice or straw additives were recommended. The herbage juice can be fermented in a separate fermenter, prior to methane fermentation for conversion of components to acids and coagulation of the juice protein for animal feed.