Jul 15, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Södra has commenced a two-year project in which RME biodiesel, rape methyl ether, is being tested in six vehicles. The project aims to show the environmental and economic benefits of a transition to RME biodiesel as well as its effect on the actual vehicles, the company reports. “We consume large quantities of diesel in the 150 vehicles we have out at our sawmills and our three Swedish pulp mills, as well as in the 20 or so lorries in our haulage business. This will be a step towards reducing our climate impact,” says Åsa Forss, project manager at Södra. The fuel meets the EN14214 standard and is produced and delivered by Energigårdarna from its plant in Eslöv in southern Sweden. The rape is grown on local fields. Energy needed for the RME process is provided by a straw boiler along with on-site windpower, and the fuel is also used in the vehicles that deliver RME to filling stations. “These energy measures are part of an overall concept that provides added value. Not only is the product produced in an ecofriendly manner, but we can also lease filling stations from them in the five locations where we need fuel,” says Åsa Forss. The test began in January this year when the first vehicles were filled with 100% RME. Three Södra lorries are involved in the project, two Scania and one Volvo. Three fork-lift trucks are also included in the project in conjunction with Volvo Penta. The six vehicles operate in the Mörrum, Älmhult, Ullared and Värö districts, all within reasonable distance for filling with the RME diesel which is produced locally in Skåne. “Scania is monitoring the project and is keen to see the vehicles run perfectly. It is guaranteeing that all the lorries running on the new fuel will be 100% reliable,” says Åsa Forss. So far the tests have shown good results. The vehicles have functioned normally with RME in their tanks. “We think we’ve noticed a slightly higher fuel consumption, but less than the 5% you would normally expect with RME. A more comprehensive evaluation will be made when the test is completed in 2011,” says Åsa Forss. RME is a biodiesel formed when rape oil reacts with methanol and potassium hydroxide. As RME becomes viscous at -5 degrees, an additive is added in the winter to help it handle temperatures as low as -20 degrees. Pure RME is a biodegradable product with significantly less climate impact than conventional diesel. Most vehicle manufacturers accept only RME of European Standard EN 14214. A more frequent service is often recommended for aspects such as brake filter changing, as RME can dissolve tubes or dirt in the fuel system. Check supplier recommendations. All diesel in Sweden, has a mix of at least 5% RME.