Biodiesel

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a safe, non-toxic and biodegradable fuel typically made from vegetable oils or used cooking oils. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or blended with conventional diesel at various levels with little or no engine modifications.

Biodiesel is the single, most effective greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction technology that exists for diesel engines today. In Manitoba, the combined transportation and agriculture sectors produce approximately one-third of the province’s GHG emissions.

 

Manitoba’s Biodiesel Policy

Manitoba’s Biofuels Act establishes the legislative framework for establishing a biodiesel sales mandate, licensing biodiesel manufacturers and adopting biodiesel fuel quality standards.

The Biofuels Act

 

Manitoba’s Biodiesel Mandate – Leading the Country

Manitoba is the first province in Canada to implement a law requiring biodiesel in its diesel fuel. Manitoba’s biodiesel mandate will start November 1, 2009.

First Biodiesel Mandate In Canada Now In Effect In Manitoba
November 2, 2009

Manitoba Leads the Way with Biodiesel Mandate: Rondeau
September 10, 2009

The mandate will require fuel suppliers to blend 2% biodiesel in their overall sales of on and off-road diesel fuel. The 2% blend percentage is based on an average. Suppliers have the flexibility to blend other percentages of biodiesel to meet the 2% target. For example, it is anticipated that 5% biodiesel blends will be used on a seasonal basis during the summer months.

At a 2% average, it is expected that Manitoba will use at least 20 million litres of biodiesel per year.

Biodiesel Mandate for Diesel Fuel Regulation

Biodiesel Mandate For Diesel Fuel Regulation, amendment (July 2011)

Biodiesel Mandate For Diesel Fuel Regulation, amendment (November 2011)

 

Licensing and Fuel Quality Standards

Licensing biodiesel manufacturers and maintaining the integrity of the fuel supply through the adoption of recognized fuel quality standards are key components of Manitoba’s biofuels program.

Details of the licensing and reporting requirements for biodiesel manufacturers, as well as the fuel quality standards, can be found in the regulations.

Biodiesel (General) Regulation

Biodiesel (General) Regulation, amendment  (July 2011)

 

Fact Sheets

Biodiesel Fuel Quality and Engine Warranties
Biodiesel Cold Weather Properties
The Environmental and Health Benefits of Biodiesel
Biodiesel GHG Emissions
Biodiesel: Food vs. Fuel

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Biodiesel Manufacturers
Biodiesel Fuel Quality Standards
Biodiesel Sales Mandate
Q&A – Biodiesel Grant Program

 

Forms

Biodiesel Mandate Interim Report

Biodiesel Grant Application Form

Click here for application forms for biodiesel production licenses and for annual production reporting.

 

Incentives

Biodiesel Fund Grant Regulation

Manitoba’s Biofuels Act provides for the creation of a grant program to support the production of biodiesel in Manitoba.  Program details are outlined in the Biodiesel Fund Grant Regulation.

The grant program provides an incentive of 14 cents per litre of biodiesel and runs for five years from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2015.

To be eligible for the grant the biodiesel must

• be made in Manitoba by a producer with a valid commercial licence to manufacture biodiesel in the province;
  
  
• meet either of the quality standards for biodiesel adopted by Manitoba: ASTM D6751, Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle  Distillate Fuels or EN 14214 Automotive Fuels – Fatty Acid Methyl Esters  FAME) for Diesel Engines – Requirements and Test Methods; and
  
  
• be sold either in Manitoba or for export.

Grants are subject to caps. The maximum number of litres of Manitoba biodiesel eligible for an incentive in a 12-month period (April 1 to March 31 of the next year) is 20 million litres. There are also quarterly caps on the incentive as follows:

• April – June:  7 million litres
  
• July – September: 7 million litres
  
• October – December: 2 million litres 
• January – March: 4 million litres

Guide to the Biodiesel Grant Program

 

Biodiesel Resources

Click here for more information on the biodiesel industry and for information on the storage and handling of biodiesel blended fuel.

Contact Information

Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines
Energy Division
12th Floor, 155 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8

In Winnipeg, call 945-7392
In Manitoba, call toll free 1-866-444-4207

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