Second Toronto biodiesel station opened

TORONTO, (May 13, 2004) — One of Canada’s only biodiesel providers has opened up a second Toronto service station in as many months.

Ottawa-based Topia Energy Inc. held the grand opening of Toronto proper’s first biodiesel fueling pump earlier today on Queen St. Producers of “Go Further,” — a new film chronicling actor Woody Harrelson’s journey down the Californian coast in a biodiesel-fueled bus, also attended the ceremony. Topia opened its first station in Unionville, just north of Toronto, in March.

Biodiesel is a non-toxic, animal or plant oil-based fuel that can increase diesel engine life while dramatically reducing emissions. It can be burned in any standard, unmodified diesel engine in pure form (B100) or in a blend with petroleum diesel with little or no modifications. However, in colder climates, a blend of either B50 or B20 (20 per cent biodiesel and 80 per cent petroleum diesel) is the most common form for commercial use in vehicles. Topia’s fuelling centres offer B20.

Using B20, a diesel engine is said to deliver similar torque, horsepower, and fuel economy as petroleum-powered diesels, yet cuts unburned hydrocarbon emissions, which cause greenhouses gases, by as much as 30 per cent. It does not reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions, although biodiesel’s lack of sulphur allows the use of NOx controls that can’t be used with conventional diesel fuel.

Ontario is a prime location for biodiesel supply because of its high production of canola and soybeans — two of the most popular ingredients of biodiesel.

The city of Halifax recently added an Atlantic twist to conventional biodiesel, by testing 20 buses that run on a blend of 80 per cent diesel fuel and 20 per cent fish oil.