Motorists on Vancouver Island in Canada will get more choice in their biodiesel blends. Cowichan Energy Alternatives (CEA), the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op (Co-op) and the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) are opening the island’s first “Green & Go” biodiesel station, which could pump 5, 20 or 50 percent blends.

The new biodiesel blending pump and Point of Sale (PoS) technology will provide drivers with an easy and secure way to access clean, renewable biodiesel after they create a user account at www.biopay.org. Biodiesel is a proven fossil-fuel-alternative that reduces harmful pollution while increasing a vehicle’s engine life. The pump’s PoS will provide each member with a transaction record that shows greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions with every fill up.

‘Sustainable Solution in Action’ – The Cowichan Biofuel Facility is a homegrown centre for recycling commercial and residential waste cooking oil into environmentally-friendly biodiesel for local use as a petroleum diesel substitute. This demonstration facility is the first of its kind in North America and a model for communities seeking sustainable solutions that support the development of a local, low-carbon economy. It is the result of a unique partnership between the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op and Cowichan Energy Alternatives, and is part of the growing BC Biofuel Network. Financial support was provided in part by Vancity.

Officials will hold an official ceremony later this afternoon at the Cowichan Biofuel Facility, 3900 Drinkwater Road, North Cowichan, British Columbia. The public and media are invited to the event.