To assist you in deciding which market is appropriate to pursue, this article provides basic background information regarding the biodiesel industry.  The availiability of  feedstock has been a factor that remains an obstacle for further improvement of biodiesel technology. On the other hand, demand of biodiesel is on the rise with the governments of many countries encouraging the production and advancement of biodiesel products and technology in their country. If in 2007 only 20 countries produced biodiesel, an estimated 200 countries will produce this alternative renewable energy  in the following years.

One major difference between earlier generations and contemporary situations is the availabilily of raw materials. In early generations, expensive feedstock such as soy, rapeseed and palm oil were used. They are all consumable products and therefore more expensive. On the other hand, alternative feedstock such as Jatropha can provide cheaper raw material with almost same quality. This fact encourages public and private sectors to participate in the biodiesel industry.

If we can find our market, we can get our market share in the biodiesel business. Producers that are able to evolve and adapt with the latest technology, government policies, and feedstock issues will definitely lead the market. We should prepare ourselves to quickly adapt to any issues or changes regarding biodiesel as a whole to achieve long term success.

For the last three years, usage of biodiesel has been increasing in the United States and Europe. We can even find fueling gas stations across the country. Since 2005, automotive manufacturers have started to release cars which accept biodiesel as an acceptable fuel additive. Similar improvements have also been implemented for railroad and aircraft use.

Another use of biodiesel is heating oil. Biodiesel can be used as a heating oil in private or commercial boilers. Biodiesel B20 could therefore reduce CO2 emission in the UK up to 1.5 million tons annually.

The current market for biodiesel is still very small although there is a large potential for this to become a larger scale activity and mainstream. With recent research into biodiesel (including the invention of cheaper and suitable crops such as algae and fungus), balance between supply and demand will be reached in the next few years and current investors will be the most benefited in years to come.