Probably, Dr. Rudolf Diesel could foresee the vegetative sources as he built the first diesel engine in 1885.  He first displayed his engine at the Paris show of 1900 and astounded everyone when he ran the patented engine on any hydrocarbon fuel available - which included gasoline and peanut oil. Scientists discovered that the viscosity of vegetable oils could be reduced in a simple chemical processes. The resultant fuel out of these simple reactions was called Bio- Diesel. Since then the technical developments have largely taken place in making plant oils.
Plant oil is highly valued as Bio fuel. It can be used in three possible ways. Firstly, as it is crushed. It can be used in cars without refining. It can be used in second way by blending it with normal diesel to use in the car. Thirdly, it can be refined and used like pure diesel. Refined form can also be exported anywhere in the world. Hence, Bio Diesel cab be used as a substitute for, or an additive to, diesel fuel that is derived from the oils and fats of plants, like Sunflower, Canola or Jatropha.
It is an alternative fuel that can be used in diesel engines and provides power similar to conventional diesel fuel. Recent environmental and economic concerns (Kyoto Protocol) have prompted resurgence in the use of bio-diesel throughout the world. In 1991, the European Community, (EC) Proposed a 90% tax reduction for the use of bio-fuels, including bio-diesel. Today, 21 countries worldwide are producing Bio-diesel. Read more..