Biodiesel blends have officially left the lab to be tested against an Alberta winter.
Climate Change Central, an Alberta public-private partnership group backing and developing greenhouse gas reduction policies and projects, on Tuesday formally launched the Alberta Renewable Diesel Demonstration, with the announcement of $2.6 million in federal and provincial funding for the project.
The demonstration, underway since late 2007, involves over 60 diesel-powered trucks of different sizes, running through their typical on-road conditions on renewable B2 and B5 diesel blends, to be tested for performance, how well they operate in cold weather and how they affect engine components.
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The demo project, which will run until October, stems from Ottawa’s stated plans for a minimum two per cent renewable content in Canada’s diesel supply by 2012. The biodiesel standard will only be put in place once renewable diesel is successfully tested under a range of conditions in Canada.
Shell Canada will blend and supply the B2 and B5 low-sulphur diesel for the project, from a temporary blending and distribution facility at its Sherwood terminal.
“The demonstration will provide hands-on, cold-weather experience for fuel blenders, distributors, long-haul trucking fleets and drivers,” Climate Change Central said in a release Tuesday. Trucking firms taking part include Rosenau Transport, Hi-Way 9, First Bus Canada and Gibson Energy.
The federal government’s $1.3 million share of the funding will come from the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program, while the province’s share comes from the provincial energy department.
The Canola Council of Canada, Milligan BioTech and groups from the fuel and biofuel sectors are also backing the project, Climate Change Central noted.
