Released on December 17, 2009
The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is leading a biodiesel pilot project to demonstrate how well the renewable fuel performs year-round in agriculture equipment. Supported under the National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative (NRDDI), the project will help SRC assess biodiesel's quality retention and performance in farming equipment and bulk storage facilities in all seasons, including the coldest winter months.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Saskatchewan Research Council to promote the use of renewable diesel," said Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre, on behalf of Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. "Our investment of $782,000 for this demonstration project will contribute to reducing Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions while investing in made-in-Canada technology and stimulating the economy."
During the year-long project, eight agriculture producers will operate their equipment using low-level (B5) and high-level (B10) canola-biodiesel blends to determine whether they affect engine performance. Five producers will operate year-round on a B5 blend, while three others will use a B10 blend during warmer months and a B5 blend the rest of the year.
As part of the study, SRC will evaluate approximately 50 tractors, combines, swathers and related farm fuel storage tanks. Biodiesel quality will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that the fuel maintains adequate quality throughout the year-round farming cycle. Fuel testing will be conducted at the SRC Biofuels Test CentreTM in Regina.
"We're privileged to lead a biodiesel study that will benefit farmers in Saskatchewan and across Canada," SRC President and CEO Dr. Laurier Schramm said. "This study and our proven expertise in biofuels testing will provide practical insights to both agriculture producers and the Government of Canada as they explore biodiesel use on the farm."
When the study is completed in November 2010, producers and other agriculture industry stakeholders will have the information they need to successfully blend, handle and store biodiesel blends in cold Canadian conditions.
In particular, the study will assist in moving forward the Government of Canada's proposed renewable fuels regulation that would require an average of two per cent renewable fuel in diesel fuel by 2011, subject to technical feasibility.
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For more information, contact:
Cameron Zimmer
Saskatchewan Research Council
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-6367
Email: zimmerc@src.sk.ca
Cell: 306-370-9402
Jocelyne Turner
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-996-2007