Correction: The original information obtained from the Iowa DOT said they were fitting ten snowplows with B100 technology. We received a correction of that original statement from the IADOT, Wednesday evening, stating there will only be eight. Five are moving this year, with three new trucks coming next winter. The story has been changed to reflect that.
Biofuels have had their challenges this year, but they are still pushing the limits of what we thought possible just a few years ago. Science is finding ways to get the most out of biofuels while reducing our dependence on foreign oil and helping the environment. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) has long been a supporter of biofuels and is going to be running a fleet of eight Des Moines snowplows on B100 blend.
David May of the Iowa DOT tells about this program in which these snowplows will run on pure biodiesel.
The DOT has already retrofit five existing snowplows with the equipment to run B100. They will be adding three brand new B100 trucks in the winter of 2020. Obviously getting B100 isn?t as simple as just driving up to your gas pump, yet. May say they have a partnership with Renewable Energy Group to get this Iowa-produced fuel to their fleet.
May says not only is it good for the environment, but it is also a benefit to the Iowa economy as well.
Iowa Biodiesel Board?s Grant Kimberly says the project?s goal is to show B100 can be used year-round in fleets, especially in colder northern climates where different blends are used in different seasons.
Kimberly says we have been able to use B20 blends all year already. It is about being informed and making sure your supply starts with the right blend to make effective at different times of the year. B100 would make that worry all but obsolete.
Both the Iowa DOT and the Iowa Biodiesel Board are looking forward to the results of this project.
