May 31, 2010

FEATURE | Heavy Equipment

FPInnovations launches renewable biodiesel study

VANCOUVER

A $1.7-million field study on the potential use of biodiesel for off-road machinery in highway construction and forest operations is being conducted by FPInnovations, in partnership with Natural Resources, Canada’s National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative.

The study will provide a better understanding of the economical and technical issues related to renewable diesel, and will identify the best means and methods required to overcome likely challenges to biodiesel implementation in Canadian operations.

Funding in the amount of $810,000 is being provided by The National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative (NRDDI), with the Forest Industry and FPInnovations providing the balance.

The study involves three project locations and industrial activities in British Columbia: highway construction in Coquitlam, sawmill yard operation in Prince George, and forest harvest operations in Merritt.

The Prince George location is ideal for this project as it highlights the difficulties facing biodiesel users, including challenging climate conditions, and a remote location in which distribution and storage can be difficult.

The Coquitlam location is of interest for the construction sector because it will demonstrate the logistical challenges in delivering biodiesel blends to their jobsites.

The logging and sawmill operations consume an average of 60,000 litres of fuel each month, the equivalent of a tanker truck. Therefore, several deliveries are anticipated this year.

Safety measures were implemented to ensure the safe and successful completion of this project for everyone involved. For example, spill kits are on-site at JJM Construction, as well as on-board the tanker trucks.

JOC News Service

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