CALGARY — Canadian Pacific and Natural Resources Canada have partnered on a biodiesel fuel pilot project under the National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative, announced Lee Richardson, a member of Parliament for Calgary Centre.
“The Government of Canada is working closely with industry partners like Canadian Pacific to support the use of renewable diesel in the Canadian fuel market,” Richardson said. “Our Government is investing over $800,000 in this important step forward to help reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Government of Canada has announced its intent to regulate an average five percent renewable fuel content based on the national gasoline pool by 2010 as well as a requirement for an average two percent renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil by 2011 or earlier, subject to technical feasibility. The National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative provides an opportunity for real-world testing and performance evaluation in advance of regulatory action.
“Rail is already the most efficient means to move goods long-haul,” Canadian Pacific President and CEO Fred Green said. “This initiative positions CP to make a lasting impact by further reducing our network’s environmental footprint. This partnership with the Government of Canada is an opportunity to test the reliability of biodiesel in cold weather, ensuring we continue to provide safe and efficient operations for customers across North America.”
Biodiesel is a cleaner renewable alternative to traditional fuels, made from either vegetable oil or animal fats. Biodiesel reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter and also acts as a natural lubricant.
As part of the five-month test cycle, CP will operate four GE AC4400 Diesel Locomotives with FDL-16 engines in captive service between Calgary and Edmonton. General Electric and Calgary-based fuel supplier 4Refuels are cooperating with CP during this testing phase, which began in early November and will run through the end of March.
Canadian Pacific will undertake routine detailed mechanical examinations of the locomotives in the pilot project. The information gathered will be used to determine if a biodiesel mixture of five percent (B5) has any significant adverse effects on a locomotive or its associated systems in cold-climate operation. Impact to reliability, potential changes to the overhaul or maintenance work scope and reviews of specific components on the locomotives will also be monitored.
