City of Portland Details. Why Use Biodiesel? Portland Water Bureau s Biodiesel Journey

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1 Portland Water Bureau s Biodiesel Journey It s going to take a huge cooperative effort on the part of the entire global community to wean ourselves from our present addiction to fossil fuels. Greg Pahl, Author Growing A New Energy Economy Tom Dufala Fleet Manager Portland Water Bureau Don M. Holmes Sustainability Coordinator Portland Water Bureau APWA National Congress 2007 City of Portland Details Portland Water Bureau: Serves more than 800,000 in the Portland area Manages Bull Run Watershed and Columbia South Shore Well Field Has a rainwater driven, un-filtered, gravity fed system 640 employees $122 million annual budget (next FY) Why Use Biodiesel? It can be used in most diesel equipment with no or only minor modifications. It reduces global warming gas emissions and tailpipe emissions (i.e. particulates). It is nontoxic, biodegradable, and suitable for sensitive environments. Adds lubricity to fuel. It is a renewable fuel made in the United States. Local economic development opportunity Reduces reliance on foreign sources of oil. 1

2 Biodiesel Considerations What are the differences? Mild Solvent More filter replacement (initially) Higher blends have rubber compatibility issues with pre-1995 vehicles/equipment Cloud point is higher than petroleum diesel Depends on type of biodiesel soy, canola, cooking oil Blends reduce impact during colder weather Increased viscosity over B1 to B3 increases lubricity decreased engine wear Higher blends unknown benefits Existing fuel tanks should be cleaned Biodiesel Considerations What are the differences? Water potential Processing may have higher water content Above ground storage tanks may condense water in fuel. Horsepower drop Fewer BTU s per gallon Reduced fuel efficiency B100 may have up to 8 to 10% Is Biodiesel the Cure? It is a transitional fuel not the solution Need to develop alternatives to combustion engines Need to focus on local production Investors see palm oil promise what is the trade-off? The promise of biodiesel my opinion Opens acceptance that alternatives will work. 2

3 City Commitment to B20 B20 Since Aug 2004 Switched without giving notice Negligible change No measurable increase in maintenance No reported power reduction B20 far surpassed expectations City of Portland Commitment We re doing our part to increase demand for Biodiesel which will help to spur the development of Oregon-based production facilities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. - Randy Leonard, Commissioner In -Charge Portland Water Bureau Program Ingredients Commissioner Leonard commitment to Biodiesel Sustainability Coordinator Employee Buy-in Transparency Operation Impacts Listen Explain Benefits Research Manufacturers Suppliers Producers Case Studies NREL Etc Fleet Buy-in Maintenance OK Vehicle Availability Fuel Compatibility Supplier Support Supply Availability Cost Flexibility General Support 3

4 How Did We Prepare? Research New motor fuels RFP Tanks cleaned Transition to on-site filling Good and bad Still took a leap of faith Water Bureau Stats Fleet and Fuel Information Vehicles/Equipment: approx. 121 (84 in 2006) Diesel Purchased: Prior to switch: 15,000g Biodiesel, 80,000g Diesel After switch to B99: 75,000g Biodiesel, 30,000g Diesel* Cost: B100 $2.66 Consistent $2.19 Varies (Nov 1 - $1.94, Nov , High - $2.72 *predicted amount based on operating plan WB Operation Strategy Warmer (March to November) Colder (November to March) In-Town 121- Newer than Older than 1995 Generators B99 Sandy River 20 Vehicles Generators B20 4

5 What Changes Did We Find Crews noticed a change It must be the fuel Frequent fuel filter changes (reducing) Power loss less than predicted Except in loaded vehicles Clogged fuel filters resemble power loss Fuel efficiency reduction (not tracked) Crews notice the cleaner emissions Employees want to make a difference Predicted Biodiesel Usage Strategy Biodiesel 2005 B20 120K 480K 2006 City Water Bureau B20 B K 100K 50K 450K 400K 50K 2007 City Water Bureau B20- B K 180K 80K 355K 320K 35K 2008 City Water Bureau B K 250K 90K 275K 250K 25K Exciting Change! New Fueling System 5

6 Questions? Tom Dufala Fleet Manager Don Holmes Sustainability Coordinator