SD news

April 29, 2002
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BIOBUS Project Launched in Montreal

On March 25, 2002, a one-year biodiesel demonstration and impact assessment project was launched in Montreal - the BIOBUS project . It will help to assess the environmental, economic, and social advantages of introducing biodiesel in Canada and will promote the potential marketing of the product as a fuel from renewable resources. (Biodiesel is produced from local, renewable resources, either agricultural products or recycled agro-industry by-products.) The project, valued at $1 306 200, will demonstrate the use of biodiesel under actual operating conditions, particularly cold weather. By midsummer, 155 Montreal Transit Corporation buses serving downtown Montreal will be running on biodiesel.

According to the Montreal Transit Corporation, a city bus can carry as many passengers as 50 cars and pollutes up to 18 times less. Mass transit will therefore play a growing role in the fight against climate change. By running on biodiesel, buses can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions even more, without impairing bus performance or reducing their energy efficiency.

To support this major demonstration project of a technology for reducing green house gas emissions, the Government of Canada has set up a partnership involving Natural Resources Canada, Canada Economic Development, Environment Canada, and the Climate Change Action Fund, and is providing funding of $515 000. Other partners include the Government of Quebec, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, and the Fédération des producteurs de cultures commerciales du Québec.