One method of converting biomass into biodiesel, using heat.

This is the thermal decomposition of biomass at high temperatures (greater than 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 200 degrees Celsius) in the absence of air - also called destructive distillation. The end product of pyrolysis is a mixture of solids (char) liquids (oxygenated oils), and gases (methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide) with proportions determined by operating temperature, pressure, oxygen content, and other conditions.