The process converts oilseed crops into biodiesel fuel, a substitute for petroleum diesel. Demonstration projects in Idaho and at Yellowstone National Park use biodiesel produced from winter rapeseed grown in northern Idaho. Other oil seed crops can be used to make biodiesel, and it can be manufactured from waste vegetable oils or animal fats. Methanol Production of methanol from biomass is a thermochemical conversion process. About 186 gallons of methanol can be produced from one ton of biomass feedstock.
Potential feedstock includes wood and agricultural residues.
However, nearly all methanol produced today is made from natural gas. Production of one gallon of methanol requires about 100 cubic feet of natural gas. As a straight fuel, methanol has a higher octane than gasoline, but half the energy content. The high octane of methanol makes the fuel suitable for high-compression engines.