BioFleet Paves the Way to a Sustainable Biodiesel IndustryBiodiesel is an alternative fuel widely used in Europe and increasingly prevalent in North America. BioFleet, a western Canadian biodiesel market development program, is helping pave the way to a viable sustainable biodiesel industry in Canada.
“Renewable fuels are going to play an important role in the future,” says Grant McVicar, director of energy conservation at the Saskatchewan Research Council, one of several organizations involved in BioFleet. “Integrating biodiesel into our fuel supply will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our environment and provide new economic opportunities in all aspects from growing oil crops through to manufacturing, distributing, retailing and using the fuels.” Since its inception in 2004, BioFleet has developed a number of tools to help develop the biodiesel marketplace. “We are proud to be playing a leading role in the expansion of this industry,” says McVicar. “Through workshops, demonstrations, information, common branding and first-users incentives, BioFleet is raising awareness and expanding the use of biodiesel.” Biodiesel is now used by more than 95 fleets in western Canada, ranging from municipal vehicles and school buses to long-haul trucks and marine vessels. More than 20 card lock stations in British Columbia also offer biodiesel at their retail pumps.
Biodiesel is a clean burning, non-toxic, biodegradable fuel produced from renewable sources and can be combined with petroleum diesel to fuel diesel engines. Biodiesel helps mitigate global warming, improve air quality and public health, and increase fuel lubricity, thus reducing engine wear and maintenance costs. The BioFleet program is managed by the Fraser Basin Council, Climate Change Central, Saskatchewan Research Council and the Canadian Canola Growers Association. It is also financially supported by the federal and western provincial governments and the agriculture and biodiesel industries. For more information, visit www.biofleet.net.
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