Dual fuel for sustainable transportation

Transitioning to sustainable alternatives

The simultaneous combustion of 2 fuels is made up of both a primary fuel, such as diesel, and a low carbon gas, such as renewable natural gas or hydrogen. A dual fuel technology presents a unique ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% by replacing a significant amount of diesel commonly used in heavy duty vehicles. Since heavy-duty freight transportation vehicles are responsible for 10% of Canada's carbon dioxide emissions annually, dual fuels promise to be a low cost effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from freight transportation over the next 30 years.

Collaborative eco-friendly steps towards a cleaner environment

Taking part in a cross-government research project funded by the Office of Energy Research and Development of Natural Resource Canada and the NRC's Energy, Mining, and Environment Research Centre's Advanced Clean Energy Program, the Low Carbon and Clean Combustion team focused their studies on the clean fuel production, fuel characterization, and the high-efficiency use of low and zero-carbon fuels, including dual fuels.
Collaborating with the NRC's Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, other government departments and industry associations, the team conducted the testing of the engine efficiency and emissions performance in real-world operating conditions, followed by recommendations to modify the engines and help maximize performance.

The NRC's Low Carbon Fuels and Clean Combustion team will continue to develop advanced combustion strategies to eliminate fuel slip in dual fuel engines and to support Canada's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.