Fueling Virginia Jobs and Economic Development

Please join us at the 2010 Virginia Biodiesel Conference. 

Purpose

Virginia's biodiesel industry landscape is changing as it is impacted by policy, technology, and the economy.  Through the Virginia Biodiesel Conference, Virginia Clean Cities seeks to convene a broad cross-section of people and organizations working to strengthen Virginia's biodiesel industry and to promote clean alternative fuels. 

Topics of Discussion

• State of the Industry
• Biodiesel Tax Credit
• Quality Control
• Incentives and Funding
• Policy and Best Practices
  
• Use and Implementation
• Opportunities for Collaboration
  
• Others as determined by participants
  

Who Should Attend

• Producers
• Consumers of Biodiesel
• Fleet Managers
• Agricultural and Feedstock Representatives
• Policy-Makers and Representatives
• Academics and Students
• Economists
• Relevant Government Leaders
  
• Advocacy Organizations
  
• Interested General Public

Sponsors

Virginia Truck Center

Public Policy Virginia

Partners

• Virginia Clean Cities
• National Biodiesel Board
  

Tentative Agenda

• 8:30 Setup for Table Exhibitors
• 9:00 Arrival & Registration & Networking & Table Expo
• 9:30 Welcome and Opening
  
• 10:00 Identifying Breakout Sessions
  Any participant may create a breakout session on a topic of their choice.
  
  
• Breakout Sessions
  Each session will have multiple options for small group conversations about specific topics.
  • 11:00 Session 1  
  • 12:15 Session 2
  • 1:30 Session 3
    
• 3:00 Closing Session (Whole Group)
• 3:30 Closing / Networking / Table Expo
• 4:00 Adjourn
  

Logistics

  Festival Conference and Student Center - Grand Ball Room
1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg Virginia, 22807 Directions

Parking - More information soon.

Meals - Included in registration.  Vegetarian options included.

Background

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a diesel fuel replacement produced from feedstock sources such as soybeans, cooking oil, and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100 or “neat”) or blended at any ratio with petroleum diesel to achieve cost efficiency and improve cold weather performance. It is commonly used as B20 – a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel.

Numerous fleets in Virginia have used biodiesel including: Williamsburg-James City County Schools, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Arlington County & Schools, US Army, Gloucester County Schools, Woodfin Oil, Harrisonburg Schools and Transit, James Madison University, Staunton, Waynesboro, the University of Virginia, Chesterfield County, Westmoreland County, Northumberland County, Roanoke Municipal & Schools, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and more.

Biodiesel Production

Virginia 2009 biofuels production report, January 15, 2010 – Based on 2009 year-end data.

What Vehicles Can Use Biodiesel?

Biodiesel can be used in any diesel vehicle without modification*. It is used throughout the world, and in many applications including buses, delivery trucks, waste disposal and recycling trucks, construction and farm equipment, heavy-duty freight hauling, boats and passenger vehicles.

*Because biodiesel is a great solvent, older vehicles need rubber materials replaced.

How Does Biodiesel Perform?

Biodiesel performs similar to traditional diesel, though B100 may result in a minimal power loss and a slight reduction in fuel economy due to its lesser energy content than petroleum diesel. B20 is the most popular blend, and users report no or minimal difference in fuel economy from petroleum diesel. ASTM International has reviewed biodiesel performance and issued a final specification for what qualifies as quality biodiesel (users should be sure that any fuel they purchase meets ASTM D6751). Because biodiesel acts as a lubricant, it reduces wear and tear on the engine, and can reduce maintenance costs and extend engine life. Biodiesel remains blended with petroleum diesel so it can be easily stored and dispensed in existing facilities. Biodiesel thickens more than diesel fuel in cold weather and special systems or minor modifications are required for use of B100. Vehicles produced prior to 1993 should have rubber seals in fuel pumps and fuel systems replaced with non-rubber (Viton) seals.

What Are the Benefits of Using Biodiesel?

The production of biodiesel has a 1 to 3.2 energy balance ratio. In other words, for every 1 unit of energy that goes into producing biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy are produced. Biodiesel also results in significantly lower emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, toxic contaminants, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, visible smoke and noxious odors than petroleum diesel. Depending on the feed source, biodiesel can result in a 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over the entire production process.

Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable and therefore does not pose a threat to water and soil resources if B100 is spilled. Producing biodiesel from restaurant oil or animal processing wastes recycles potential waste material that may otherwise go to a landfill.  Additionally, biodiesel is one of the safest fuels to use, handle, and store because it has a higher flash point (300º F) than petroleum diesel. Significant benefits of biodiesel include reducing dependence on foreign oil and providing alternative markets for farmers.