Seeing Green: Biodiesel
Manitoba leads the way with emissions-reducing biodiesel blend
Home-grown fuel helps the environment and the economy
A clean-burning, efficient fuel for today's diesel engines
Some things to know about making the switch to biodiesel
Additional resources
Manitoba leads the way with emissions-reducing biodiesel blend
Effective November 1, 2009, Manitoba became the first province in Canada to implement the mandated use of biodiesel.
- All diesel fuel sold in Manitoba will contain an average of two per cent biodiesel.
Suppliers have the flexibility to blend other percentages of biodiesel to meet the two per cent target. For example, they might elect to formulate blends of up to five per cent biodiesel during the summer months.
A number of fleets in the province have already come on board and are enjoying the practical benefits and cost advantages. Manitoba Hydro has been using a biodiesel blend since June 2005 and a number of other users in the trucking, bus and agriculture sectors were early adopters of biodiesel.
Home-grown fuel helps the environment and the economy
Over a billion litres of diesel fuel are consumed in the province each year, a large portion of that in agricultural equipment. Biodiesel offers cleaner burning characteristics to effectively reduce both tailpipe pollution and overall greenhouse gas emissions.
- By replacing diesel with two per cent biodiesel, Manitobans can expect to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56,000 tonnes per year. That’s the equivalent of taking 11,000 cars off the road.
- The production of biodiesel consumes significantly less energy than producing conventional diesel. For every unit of energy needed to produce a gallon of biodiesel, 3.5 units of energy are gained. In comparison, each unit of energy needed to produce a gallon of petroleum diesel yields just 0.8 units of energy.
Home grown biodiesel will reduce our reliance on imported oil. In addition, the market potential for biodiesel in Manitoba represents a significant economic benefit:
- It is expected that Manitoba will use at least 20 million litres of biodiesel per year.
- Biodiesel used in Manitoba is made from prairie-grown canola, which is considered to be the best feedstock for cold-weather biodiesel.
- Increased biodiesel production has the potential to expand markets for Manitoba canola producers.
- There is currently one licensed biodiesel producer in Manitoba with two more under construction. Province-wide distribution is expected to be available by the spring of 2010.
Effective in the Spring of 2010, the Province of Manitoba will offer a 14 cent per litre, five-year production grant for both on- and off-road biodiesel produced in Manitoba. This is competitive with other North American jurisdictions and will provide support to assist the development of the industry.
Fast Fact: A valuable co-product is created when producing biodiesel from canola; a high protein meal for livestock from the crushing operation. |
A clean-burning, efficient fuel for today’s diesel engines
Biodiesel is a safe, non-toxic replacement for petroleum diesel fuel made from natural, renewable sources. It can be used in pure form or blended with conventional diesel fuels. Biodiesel is not a new idea - when Dr. Rudolf Diesel developed his engine in 1912, he designed it to run on peanut oil!
- Biodiesel can be used in nearly all of today's diesel equipment without any need for engine modification.
- As an added bonus, biodiesel offers superior lubricating properties over conventional diesel fuel.
- Biodiesel blends have demonstrated similar performance and fuel economy to petroleum diesel.
Some things to know about making the switch to biodiesel
Major engine manufacturers in North America have indicated that the use of blends up to B5 (5 per cent biodiesel) comply with their engine warranties. Some manufacturers will warranty their engines up to B20 (twenty per cent biodiesel).
If your vehicle is new, you can simply fill ‘er up with biodiesel. However, engines that have been operating on conventional diesel will require some preparation.
- Conventional diesel leaves waxy, grungy deposits in fuel tanks and hoses. Because biodiesel is a good solvent, it will clean up these deposits and potentially clog up your fuel filter in the process. Check your filter regularly in the first few weeks after you make the switch.
The same precautions apply to storage.
- Any tanks that have been used for conventional diesel or gasoline will have accumulated sludge. Before storing biodiesel, be sure that your storage tank is clean.
- Acceptable storage tank materials include aluminum, steel, fluorinated polyethylene, fluorinated polypropylene, Teflon®, and most fibreglass materials.
Additional resources
Manitoba’s
Biodiesel Office
Manitoba Canola Growers
CanolaBiodiesel.org
FACTSHEET: Biodiesel and the Environment
FACTSHEET: Fuel Quality and Engine Warranty
FACTSHEET: Cold Weather Properties
FACTSHEET: Storage and Handling
FACTSHEET: Fuel Versus Food
