Canola Biodiesel

  • Canola biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel made from a natural, renewable resource – canola oil. Canola biodiesel is an alternative for diesel fuel whereas ethanol is an alternative for gasoline.
  • Canola biodiesel can be used in any regular diesel engine with no modification. It is a viable alternative for on-road vehicles, from municipal fleets to long-haul trucks, as well as off-road equipment used for mining, forestry, construction, agriculture and marine industries.
  • Canola biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100) or mixed with petroleum diesel. B5 indicates a blend of 5% biodiesel with 95% petroleum diesel.
  • Using canola biodiesel cuts exhaust emissions, including black smoke, odour, greenhouse gases, air toxins and particulates. Pure canola biodiesel is non-toxic and completely biodegradable.  
  • Canola biodiesel emissions show decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAH compounds which have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds. Its emissions contain virtually no sulphur oxides or sulphates, major components of acid rain. 
  • Canola biodiesel production and use reduces CO2 emissions by more than 85% compared to petroleum diesel.  
  • Canola’s unique characteristics make it an ideal feedstock for biodiesel. 
    • Canola’s high oil content means more oil available per unit of seed, with less byproduct. 
    • Canola is low in saturated fat, which is linked to improved cold weather performance for biodiesel.  
  • Canadian canola is currently exported for the creation of biodiesel in other countries. Several hundred thousand tonnes of canola seed are exported to destinations such as United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Pakistan for processing into oil to produce biodiesel.

Canola biodiesel – A growing part of the Canadian economy 

  • Canola currently contributes $14 billion in economic activity to the Canadian economy. 
  • A canola-based biodiesel industry would drive economic growth in western Canada, including jobs on the prairies in agriculture, research and fuel production.
  • A 2006 study found that every $100 million of additional demand for canola generates an additional $83 million in Canadian Gross Domestic Product and more than 730 direct jobs in value-added industries including crushing, processing and food production. (source: Mark Goodwin Consulting Ltd, “Canola Socio-Economic Value Report,” 2008


Market demand for biodiesel

  • Biodiesel has been produced and used successfully in Europe, Asia and the United States over the last decade. In Germany alone, there are more than 1,900 biodiesel fuelling stations.
  • More than 20 major fleets in Canada and 500 major fleets in the US use biodiesel blends.
  • In 2004, 3.5 million litres of biodiesel was used in Canada.
  • A minimum of 2% renewable content in diesel fuels in Canada will create the need for 600 million litres of biodiesel.
  • The industry would require 1.3 billion litres of biodiesel under a 5% requirement which would create market demand for 2.3 million tonnes of canola (assuming a 70% market penetration).
Biodiesel has been produced and used successfully in Europe, Asia and the United States over the last decade. In Germany alone, there are more than 1,900 biodiesel fuelling stations.



About the Canola Council

  • The Canola Council of Canada is a non-profit association representing the entire canola industry — growers, input suppliers, researchers, crushers, processors, exporters and marketers.
  • The Council’s mission is to enhance the Canadian canola industry’s ability to profitably produce and supply seed, oil and meal products that offer superior value to customers around the world.