Natural Resources Canada is partnering with the Canadian forestry sector's research institute to explore the potential use of biodiesel for off-road machinery in highway construction and forest operations.
Conducted by FPInnovations, the $1.7-million field study will look at understanding the economical and technical issues related to renewable diesel.
The study will be conducted in three projects in B.C. including a highway construction project in Coquitlam, a sawmill yard operation in Prince George and a forest harvest operation in Merritt.
The Prince George project will focus on the main challenges facing biodiesel users, namely how the fuel works under cold temperatures and challenging climate conductions for heavy equipment.
Natural Resources Canada will be providing $810,000 under its national renewable diesel demonstration initiative. FPInnovations and the forest industry will provide the remaining funding.