Links
- The current key biodiesel markets are mass transit, marine, and other
environmentally sensitive areas, such as mines. The potential for biodiesel in these markets is still under investigation.
- Biodiesel is made from renewable resources, such as soybean oil or canola,
through a simple refining process called transesterification. The process involves mixing methanol with sodium
hydroxide, then mixing that with soybean oil, for example, and letting the glycerine settle. The final products
are methyl soyate and glycerine.
- One bushel of soybeans produces about 1.5 gallons of biodiesel.
- Over 100 cities have run demonstrations or test projects utilizing biodiesel,
including more than 1,000 buses and several million miles.
- A gallon of soy-based biodiesel contains 132,902 BTUs.
- Biodiesel improves air quality by sharply reducing the emissions, including
particulate matter, that straight petroleum diesel releases when it burns.
- Biodiesel-powered engines deliver similar torque, horsepower and kilometres
per litre as petroleum-powered diesels.
- Biodiesel does not require new refueling stations, new parts inventories
or expensive engine modifications.
- France is currently the world’s largest producer of biodiesel, using
it as heating oil and also in 50 percent blends with petrodiesel.
In an effort to expand the association’s biodiesel portfolio, the Western
Office of the CRFA has been moved to the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Representatives from the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and the Ontario Soybean Growers’ Marketing
Board are present on the CRFA Board of Directors.
Links
for Biodiesel