Volvo to Test Biomass Fuel in Europe Next Year for Powering Heavy Trucks

TransportTopicsOnline.com
Updated: 9/28/2009 12:00:00 PM
This story appears in the Sept. 28 print edition of Transport Topics.

Volvo Trucks will begin field tests in Europe next year of heavy trucks powered by bioDME, a biomass fuel the company said has long-term potential to replace 50% of diesel now used in European trucking.

Volvo’s Sept. 18 announcement said the tests, which will use a 13-liter engine, are a joint effort that includes the European Union and transport companies that want to gauge the potential of DME — di-methyl ether — to power vehicles.

Volvo said bioDME as a fuel could reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 95% for a combination of high energy efficiency and reduced emissions. Black liquor, a by-product of the pulp and paper industry, is the material that is used to create bioDME.

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Biodiesel mandate creates worries

Manufacturers expect higher food, fuel costs
Gannett News Service • July 13, 2008

WASHINGTON - For now, it's ethanol that's under fire. Biodiesel's turn may be coming.

In 2009, the first mandate for biodiesel takes effect. Refiners will be required to use at least 500 million gallons next year and 1 billion gallons annually by 2012.

That could mean higher fuel costs for truckers and higher vegetable oil prices for food processors, and either industry could try to get the mandate rolled back, just as food makers and livestock groups are trying to do this year with the mandate for corn-based ethanol.

"If the mandate results in a significant increase in the price of blended fuel, we will consider applying for a waiver," said Richard Moskowitz, who follows federal regulatory issues for the American Trucking Associations.

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