Biofuel is an alternative fuel for vehicles and heating systems derived from a variety of organic substances mainly plants.
What does it cost?
A typical indication is pure plant oil, a biofuel which retails at 62c per litre.
What is the cost?
The Government has exempted 16 million litres of biofuel from excise duty, for use over the next two years. But biofuel must be bought from one of eight nominated suppliers.
What if I run out?
Use traditional fuels. Once the correct conversion kit is used they can be mixed.
How much is this conversion?
The cost of the kit and fitting, including VAT is about €1,500.
What are the effects on the environment?
The chief benefit is that biofuel is a completely renewable form of energy so it's more sustainable than fossil fuels. While it grows it extracts carbon out of the atmosphere but this is largely balanced by the carbon released when it burns.
Can I use cheap vegetable oil from the supermarket as a replacement for diesel?
Yes. But if you are not buying from an excise-exempt retailer, remember to forward the relevant excise duty to the Revenue.