University of Rostock project to investigate biodiesel for stage IV engines

In Germany, a project at the University of Rostock is investigating the technical feasibility of using certified sustainable rapeseed oil to produce biodiesel. In order to pave the way for manufacturers, the University of Rostock plans to investigate the basic performance characteristics of biodiesel in stage IV engines. The current obstacle standing in the way of more widespread use of biodiesel is the lack of manufacturer authorisations for modern EU emissions stage IV engines. Authorisations currently available are only applicable for vehicles up to emissions stages IIIB, IIIA or II.

In the project, which will run to the end of 2016, they are above all researching the effects of biofuels on exhaust aftertreatment systems (EAT) as these systems constitute the main difference between emissions stages III and IV.