Industry heavyweights make "case" for biodiesel

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

A number of recent small announcements could add up to a significant boost for the biodiesel industry in the long term.

Just last month, a couple of heavyweights in the global farm equipment market endorsed using biodiesel in their products.

Case IH was the latest to announce its support. Every piece of equipment will now leave Case IH factories with a biodiesel blend in the tank, and it has approved the use of B20 (20 per cent biodiesel and 80 per cent petroleum-based diesel) in all Case IH engines.

"One hundred per cent factory fill of a biodiesel blend is a logical next step in the process of embracing biodiesel," said Randy Baker, president of Case IH North America.

Field testing is being conducted to determine performance levels of blends of up to 100 per cent biodiesel as part of a program to ensure maximum productivity and engine durability.

Case is just the latest to give biodiesel a boost. Last month, Kubota Tractor Corporation announced it has approved the use of “B5” biodiesel fuels in specified Kubota diesel-powered products.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Crop Development Specialist Skip Munshaw said there are a number of benefits for both equipment manufacturers and producers to using biodiesel.

“Case and Kubota are adding to the growing list of equipment manufacturers that endorse biodiesel. Companies that appear to support ‘green’ technologies are becoming increasingly attractive to consumers and investors. Farmers will likely support this as well, as these endorsements help develop new markets for their crops, which could lead to higher (canola) oil prices,” said Munshaw.

Munshaw said there are some technical benefits, as well.

“By doing factory fills with biodiesel, these companies could reduce the initial break-in wear for engines, so it indirectly helps to extend engine life,” said Munshaw.

“Biodiesel has better lubricity (lubrication qualities) than diesel, which can reduce fuel and maintenance costs. This has been demonstrated both in diesel passenger vehicles and in the recently completed Saskatoon BioBus project.”

“Biodiesel quality is important. Poor quality fuel can cause problems such as deposit formation, filter plugging and poor cold flow properties. Equipment manufacturers only endorse biodiesel that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D6751) standards.”

Burning biodiesel also can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 per cent.

Biodiesel has numerous benefits for both producers and the environment. Biodiesel is renewable, non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that can be produced from locally grown feedstocks as widely varied as herring oil in the Maritimes to canola in Saskatchewan. Biodiesel can also be produced from waste products, like waste cooking oil and greases, or co-products or wastes from other industries.

Biodiesel is also behind a recent announcement from Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) of its intention to expand its canola crushing capacity at several of its facilities, including the crushing plant in Lloydminster.

ADM said the new crush capacity is to support expansions at its biodiesel facilities in North Dakota and Missouri.

For more information, contact:

Skip Munshaw, Crop Specialist - Biofuels
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306)-933-6020
E-mail: smunshaw@agr.gov.sk.ca
Website: www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/programs_services/biodiesel.asp
or: www.saskcanola.com