March 7 , 2002

RDU Receives Grant for Alternative Fuel Use

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority’s commitment to cleaner air received a helping hand in the form of a grant to support its use of alternative fuel sources. The grant was one of seven awarded by the Triangle J Council of Governments. The funds were provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

In 2002, the airport made a commitment to begin using biofuels to power its shuttle buses, vehicles and equipment. The biofuel, commonly referred to as B20, is more expensive than diesel fuel. The $8,250 grant will offset the cost of the environmentally friendly fuel.

“The Airport Authority recognizes that as a major generator of vehicle and equipment operations, RDU must be a contributor to the solution, not just a source of the problem,” said Airport Director John Brantley.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that burns cleaner than petroleum diesel because it is made from crops such as soybeans or from waste oil. The result is significantly lower emissions of carbon monoxide, toxic contaminants, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, visible smoke and noxious odors than those produced by petroleum diesel.

RDU opened up dialogue about alternative fuels in December 2002 when it hosted the “Airports & Alternative Fuels Workshop,” which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the State Energy Office and the Triangle J Council of Governments. The symposium addressed how airports could contribute to the health of our environment through the use of alternative fuels.

Using biofuels in its vehicles and equipment is just one way RDU is helping our environment. Last fall, the airport began operating its first hybrid gas/electric sedan. It also plans to have several types of alternative fuels available in a service station to be developed at the airport later this year.

The airport will also transition from a diesel to a biodiesel tank as part of the expansion of its refueling infrastructure.

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