Camden Council in south west Sydney is hosting Australia’s first scientifically validated biodiesel trial. Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable oils, such as sunflower, canola and coconut oil, as well as animal fats. The trial received $90,000 funding from the NSW Environmental Trust and is being run in conjunction with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Road Traffic Authority.
It will compare the performance of biodiesel and standard diesel in a Council garbage truck. The trial will monitor levels of exhaust emissions created by biodiesel and standard diesel, by measuring nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates, smoke and carcinogens.
According to Council, biodiesel produces fewer pollutants during both its production and use. Combustion of biodiesel provides a 90 per cent reduction in total unburned hydrocarbons, almost a 100 per cent reduction in sulphur dioxide, and a 90 per cent reduction in cancer risk. Another benefit is that biodiesel exhaust emissions smell better than conventional diesel fumes. According to Council, they can smell like popcorn or french fries!
Biodiesel is commonly used in Europe, accounting for 10 per cent of the diesel market in Germany and five per cent in France.
NSW Environment Minister and Chair of the Environment Trust, Bob Debus, said diesel garbage trucks had a significant impact on air quality in the Sydney metropolitan basin.
“A typical truck uses between 120 and 140 litres of fuel a day,” he said. “In the near future, we might see trials like this helping make our air the cleanest it has been for generations.”
For further information contact, Camden Public Relations Officer, Kristy Leshone, email kristyl@camden.nsw.gov.au or telephone (02) 4654 7789.
