Canada
February 5, 2009
The latest research from the
Alberta Renewable Diesel Demonstration (ARDD) affirms the
functionality of canola as a feedstock for renewable diesel in
cold weather conditions, says JoAnne Buth, president of the
Canola Council of Canada.
"The ARDD research makes it clear that canola biodiesel and
canola-based blends are particularly well-suited to perform well
in cold winter climates," says Buth. "These findings create
further confidence that Canada can meet the biodiesel inclusion
standards established by the federal government and two
provincial governments, Alberta and BC."
The ARDD study, Canada’s largest cold-weather study of renewable
diesel fuels, involved laboratory testing followed by actual
on-road use of renewable diesel blends. In their announcement,
the ARDD said the study used a 2% blend of canola-derived
renewable diesel in winter months, and a 5% blend in the spring
and summer comprised of 75% canola and 25% tallow. The blends
performed without problems in cold temperatures.
The study findings come on the heels of federal and provincial
biodiesel standard initiatives. Bill C-33 passed by Canadian
Parliament will require a 2% inclusion of biodiesel in heating
oil and diesel fuel by 2012. The new Alberta Renewable Fuel
Standard requires 2% biodiesel fuel blends in the province by
2010. The B.C. government earlier this year announced a 5%
biodiesel standard by 2010. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have also
signaled support for provincial renewable fuel requirements but
have yet to implement their own standards.
The Canola Council strongly supports a vibrant, canola-based
biodiesel industry that involves "made in Canada" solutions to
benefit canola growers and all Canadians.
"Biodiesel is providing a new market for canola, and it allows
canola producers to participate in the full value chain," says
Buth. "It’s good for producers, the environment and for all
Canadians."
Direct supporters of the study were:
• Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food program of
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Biofuels Commercialization and Market Development Program, and
Biofuels Infrastructure Development Program from Alberta Energy
• Canadian Petroleum Products Institute
• Canola Council of Canada
• Shell Canada Ltd (in-kind and project partner)
There was also some additional support from Milligan BioTech,
Neste Oil, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (via BBI
Biofuels Canada), and Alberta Biodiesel Association (via
Canadian BioEnergy).
Visit http://www.canolabiodiesel.org/ for more facts about
canola-based biodiesel. |
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