Many would say the 2014 implementation of 10 percent biodiesel blends in diesel fuel in Minnesota was a success. The Diesel Hotline didn’t receive any major calls about biodiesel, and testing by officials with the hotline showed no problems with biodiesel.

Mike Youngerberg, senior director of product development & commercialization with Minnesota Soybean, says that a big part of that success can be contributed to the workshops leading up to the fuel’s implementation, as well as the requirements the fuel must meet.

“I think it’s really a tribute to the industry coming together and ensuring a standard was created so that biodiesel meets high quality ASTM specifications,” Youngerberg says.

He also attributes successes to the “great fuel handling” by those who sell, blend and deliver the biodiesel blends, and also good fuel storage practices by end users. Youngerberg says it is important to keep up the practices learned by B10 as the state moves to B20.

“Before we rolled out B10, we made sure to do a series of workshops around the state so that fuel suppliers, mechanics and diesel users could be ready for the change,” he says. “The program obviously worked, so we’re ready to do it again.”

The Be Ready for B20 Workshop Series continues across the state, targeting diesel retailers, distributors, fleets, farmers and other interested parties. The goal of the workshops is to prepare for the change, to understand the benefits of the fuel, and how it will impact fuel providers and end-users.

“We don’t foresee a lot of difference from handling B10 to handling B20,” Youngerberg says. “At the end of the day, handling fuel, diesel or biodiesel, is about making sure fuel tanks are clean and free of water, and making sure they stay as full as possible to avoid moisture-laden air from entering the storage tank.”

Speakers at the workshop include representatives from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Department of Commerce (MDC), Weights & Measures Division, and MEG Corp Fuel Consulting.

Topics at the workshop include a history and overview of Minnesota’s law, compliance with the law, diesel/biodiesel basics, best practices for storage handling and use, blending in the spring and fall, and identifying, treating and preventing common diesel issues.

Be Ready for B20 Workshop Series

Please RSVP: (952) 473-0044 or jennifer@megcorpmn.com

Monday, March 5
Mankato
Courtyard by Marriot Event Center: 901 Raintree Road
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch included

Tuesday, March 6
Worthington
Worthington Event Center: 1447 Prairie Drive
8:30 to 11 a.m.; breakfast included

Marshall
AmericInn Lodge & Suites: 1406 E. Lyon St
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7
Willmar
American Legion: 220 19th Ave SW
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch included

Tuesday, March 13
Alexandria
Holiday Inn: 5637 Highway 29 South
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch included

Wednesday, March 14
Moorhead
Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead
1080 28th Avenue South
8:30 to 11 a.m.; breakfast included

Tuesday, March 20
Winona
The Plaza Hotel & Suites: 1025 Highway 61 E
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch included

Wednesday, March 21
Rochester
Hampton Inn & Suites: 2870 59th Street NW
8:30 to 11 a.m.; breakfast included

Albert Lea
Leo Carey American Legion Post 65
142 N Broadway Ave.
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 22
St. Cloud
Courtyard by Marriott: 404 W. St Germain St
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch included