Somerville, MA Converts to Biodiesel
04 November 2004
Cambridge Chronicle. The city of Somerville, Ma, has converted more than 80 of its large city-owned vehicles to run on a B20 biodiesel blend instead of petroleum-based diesel. The biodiesel powers city-owned garbage trucks, construction and hauling vehicles, sewer maintenance equipment, forestry equipment and several school buses.
The move to biodiesel is a part of the city’s implementation of its Climate Protection Plan.
Gee, I wonder what they did to "convert" their fleet to this wonderful mix. Biodiesel is a straight replacement for diesel, and 20% biodiesel is nothing to brag about. No conversion necessary, just fill up at a different pump. Now if they were running b100 (also no conversion), then they'd be doing something for the environment. They are still running 80% dino-diesel. Now if they want to really make a difference, lets see them convert their vehicles for V100, or 100% used fryer oil, like we run.
Posted by: Steve Spence | 05 November 2004 at 08:19 AM
The production and infastructure is not currently in place for large scale b100 and v100 consumption. I think an 80/20 mix is a very good start. Let's not forget that if suddenly everyone went 100% biodiesel, there would not be enough corn and fryer oil to support the demand. I live in Boulder County, Colorado where alternative fuel sources for automobiles and home energy needs are common but even in a progressive area such as Boulder, it can't happen overnight.
Posted by: Angst | 05 November 2004 at 11:21 AM
Yes, it is indeed very important to first create the market, raise awareness and build the supply chain for biodiesel fuel.
Once that is done, the % mix can start to go higher.
Hopefully they won't drag their feet too much, though.
Posted by: Mikhail Capone | 05 November 2004 at 11:41 AM