The Hindu Business Line : Mobile biodiesel training hits the road

The Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) has launched a mobile pilot plant that is used as a classroom on wheels to provide hands-on training in biodiesel production. Growing interest in clean, renewable energy sources has fuelled the initiative.

Canada is a major producer of a variety of agricultural crops, including grains and oilseeds. The portable plant that hit the road sometime in April is housed in an 8 x 20 foot trailer and has already conducted short courses in different places. More courses will follow post-harvest 2007 along with demonstrations at various agricultural fairs and exhibitions, CIGI said.

The one-of-a-kind learning opportunity provides biodiesel production training, technical support, and assistance in understanding the value-added uses and market potential for the by-products such as canola meal and glycerol.

All aspects of production, including equipment operation, chemistry, economics, marketing, feedstock sources and safety, will be dealt with.

Future plans include providing training in biodiesel production for international customers during other CIGI programmes. CIGI is a non-profit market development organisation dedicated to promoting Canada’s field crops in domestic and international markets through educational programmes and technical activities. Agriculture and Agri Food Canada and the Canadian Wheat Board provide the core funding. Bioethanol from grains and biodiesel from vegetable oil are becoming increasingly popular in Canada. Several institutions are researching efficient ways of production and usage of biofuels.

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