A federal grant has helped expand a program to educate diesel technicians about biodiesel throughout the Midwest. Working in conjunction with the Iowa Biodiesel Board, the regional Clean Cities initiative makes the “Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians” program available for free at community colleges in Iowa and surrounding states.

The Iowa Biodiesel Board and the National Biodiesel Board developed the training program to increase mechanics’ understanding of biodiesel. Iowa is the top biodiesel-producing state.

“This training program helps mechanics better understand how biodiesel works in diesel engines, particularly in today’s new technology diesel engines, and advise their customers about the true impacts of using biodiesel blends,” said Grant Kimberley, IBB executive director. “This program is mission critical to the long-term success of biodiesel becoming ingrained in our domestic fuel supply.”

Upcoming free training sessions are scheduled for:

-6:00-8:30 p.m., June 11 at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa

-8:00-11:00 a.m. or 12:00-3:00 p.m., June 16 at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa

For registration information, visit Iowabiodiesel.org.

The course offers the latest information about:

-Original Equipment Manufacturer support for biodiesel

-Fuel quality

-Service requirements

-Impacts on technology found on new diesel engines

The Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians program received Automotive Service Excellence accreditation in June 2012. Since its founding, the program has served as a model for a number of other organizations across the country.

Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel made from agricultural byproducts and coproducts, including soybean oil. It can be used in any diesel engine, usually in blends of up to 20 percent (B20). The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.