Bio-Diesel Project Approved
By 250 News
"When a biodiesel vehicle drives by, it smells like french fries" says Mayor Kinsley, and when it comes to Prince George's diesel fleet be prepared to supersize that order.
City Council has approved a plan to implement a bio-diesel program for the City's fleet of 150 diesel vehicle .
Made from vegetable oil, animal fats or recycled cooking oil, it can be blended with petroleum diesel to crseate a blended fuel. The diesel engine doesn’t need any modifications. The Fleet will be switched to use B5 blend (5% biodiesel with 95% petroleum diesel) during the winter, and up to B20 (20% biodiesel to 80% petroleum diesel) during the summer. Biodiesel doesn’t perform as well at the higher concentrations during the colder months.
According to City Staff, the use of a B5 mix will mean a reduction in pollutants, specifically a 12% drop in particulate matter compared to the emissions currently produced by the City fleet.
The cost to change over, says Supply and Fleet Services Manager Scott Bone, is "virtually neutral" and will not have "any significant negative financial impact on the operational budget for the fleet." The cost involved will be about $3,000 to change the filters and some hoses says Bone who says those dollars will be absorbed on the operational end.
He says currently, the City buys about 750 thousand litres of diesel a year. The plan would see the City buy about 36 thousand litres of biodiesel additive annually.
Bone says his department has been working with the Canadian Biodiesel Federation to lobby the Federal Government for tax incentives for those who switch their fleets.
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Posted by: thereasonableman on October 31 2006 9:47 AM
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea, and I believe it will result in fewer emissions which is good, right?
But how much of this is political posturing to make us look good? You know, bragging rights, Kyoto protocol, "oh yeah, we're on board" How about the $72 million plus (I'm glad!)Husky was forced to spend on the P.G. refinery to produce low sulphur diesel? That will result in lower emissions, and is far more effective than 150 city trucks going on a (partial) bio-diesel diet. With the constant improvements in technology, diesels are becoming more and more efficient too, which equals fewer emissions. I think that unless industry reacts (with government incentives no doubt) by producing large volumes of vegetable based fuels for mass distribution, it is hype. Next noble cause, please.