As used already by Rudolf Diesel in 1912 plant oils represent not a new alternative fuel compared to fossil sources, but only by the force of the oil supply shocks in the 70s a new development of Biodiesel was triggered. This paper gives a review of the political background, the historical development since the beginnings in Austria and the volumes produced today in the world, the main raw materials used, key fuel properties and standards. It highlights the fuel＇s environmental advantages and different marketing strategies applied as well as key factors of micro- and macroeconomic considerations.