2

Explain how to implement green fleets Learn about incentives for converting

to biodiesel fleets Learn about the availability and cost of

biodiesel fuel Identify the advantages of using

biodiesel Understand how to safely handle

biodiesel

Objectives

3

Why use green fleets? Reduce operating costs Reduce greenhouse gas

emissions Improve corporate image

Greening of Fleets

4

How to Implement Green Fleets Get buy-in Create long-term objectives Avoid setting reduction goals in

absolute numbers Anticipate obstacles Move slowly Improve vehicle use Track and report progress

5

Conventional diesel = refined petroleum Emissions/pollution concerns Dependence on foreign petroleum

supplies Biodiesel = fuel made from natural

products Domestically produced Similar to conventional diesel

Soy methyl ester diesel (SME)

Biodiesel Fleets

6

Vegetable oil Soybean oil Canola oil Rapeseed oil Palm oil

Sunflower oil Peanut oil Recycled

cooking oil Beef tallow Algae*

Biodiesel Can Be Made From:

Did You Know?

7

Hundreds of U.S. fleets, representing more than 25,000 vehicles from commercial, government, utility, and transit use, currently run on biodiesel.

Source: Biodiesel.org.

8

B20 = most common blend B5 and B2 also popular Heavy-duty vehicles:

Buses Farm equipment Military vehicles

Biodiesel Fleets

Figure 1: Biodiesel-fueled bucket truck. Source: AFDC.

9

Biodiesel benefits: Betterment of health and

environment Efficiency of our economy Sustained strategic energy security Reduced dependence on foreign oil

Pure biodiesel is: Nontoxic Biodegradable Sulfur-free

10

Incentives: Partnership initiatives and pooled

resources Financial subsidiaries Informational tools

Initial cost vs. federal and state incentives

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Clean Cities Program

Incentives for Using Biodiesel in Fleets

11

Tax Incentives Internal Revenue Service tax

credit $1.00/gallon for agri-based biodiesel $0.50/gallon for recycled cooking oil

biodiesel

Tax credits/rebates vary by state

12

Federal Grant Funding Federal government = largest

grant provider U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Transportation Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Agriculture

Different Opportunities from each agency

13

State Grant Funding State Energy Office National Association of State

Energy Officials directory Alternative Fuels Data Center

map Individualized fleet manager

resources

14

Incentives for Biodiesel Production U.S. Department of Agriculture

Farm Service Agency

Biomass Crop Assistance Program: Payment matching for delivery of

material to processing Contracts with the Commodity Credit

Corporation

Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers

15

Federal incentives are available for producers of bioenergy feedstock.

To learn more, visit:www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws

16

Biodiesel is global European Union produces large

amounts of biodiesel U.S. = more than 2,800

retailers 15 manufacturers, more than

17 models

Biodiesel Availability and Cost

17

Figure 2: Biodiesel fueling stations by state. Source: AFDC.

18

Slightly higher price 20% of biodiesel production

capacity vs. 90% conventional diesel production capacity

Reduced price gap

Figure 3: Diesel and biodiesel cost comparison. Source: AFDC.

19

Biodiesel price depends upon: Cost-blend price availability Conventional diesel price Feedstock prices Weather conditions Processing Distribution Refining capacity Refining location

20

Domestic production – renewable resources

Compatible with most diesel engines Fewer particulate matter/greenhouse gas

emissions No new fueling infrastructure needed Creation of jobs Rural development Biodegradable Nontoxic Safe to handle

Biodiesel Advantages

21

Things to Consider Blends above B5 – warranties Lower fuel economy/power More expensive Higher nitrogen oxide emissions B100 not suitable in low

temperatures B100 vs. engine durability

22

Similarity to ultralow-sulfur diesel: Fuel consumption Horsepower Torque Hauling capabilities

Little/no engine and infrastructure modifications

Increased lubricity

Biodiesel Performance and Safety

23

Performance Fuel filter issues Cold weather:

Thickening Cloud point Pour point Different blends

Cold flow preparation

24

Biodiesel Performance Summary

• Similar horsepower to diesel• Natural lubricant• Cleans engines• Faster ignition• Poor cold flow properties

25

Safety Less combustible More biodegradable Higher flashpoint Diamond placards

Figure 4: NFPA 704 hazard placard for B100 biodiesel. Source: NFPA.

26

Safety Possible combustion Biodiesel-soaked items Follow specific handling steps

Figure 5: Hazardous material UN 1993 placard for diesel. Source: USDOT, PHMSA.

27

Biodiesel Safety Summary• Environmentally safe• Nontoxic and biodegradable• Flashpoint above conventional

diesel• NFPA rated minimal fire hazard• Spontaneous combustion risk

28

1. True or False: The cost of biodiesel depends on the biodiesel blend. (Ex: B20 costs less than B100)

2. Biodiesel is produced from feedstocks such as soy bean oil and vegetable oil. New research also suggests that ____________ can be made into biodiesel.

3. True or False: The biggest obstacle for widespread biodiesel use in fleets, and other alternative fuels, is lack of infrastructure.

4. List one of the three reasons mentioned in the text as to why the U.S. should use biodiesel.

5. True or False: Fleet managers should expect to change fuel filters after the first tank of biodiesel runs through their vehicle.

Test Your Knowledge