NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — The National Biodiesel Board says it has received evidence that biodiesel is performing well in extremely cold conditions.

New Hampshire’s Cranmore Mountain Resort has been operating a fleet of biodiesel-fueled vehicles in temperatures at about 20 F without incident, the organization contends.

“We know that even with heavy snow falling and temperatures hovering around 20 below, we can count on our biodiesel-powered vehicles to start up and perform with no problems at all,” said Jim Mersereau, operations director for Cranmore Mountain Resort. “We have been very pleased with biodiesel’s performance and have had absolutely no cold weather problems.”

“Cranmore Mountain is one of many examples demonstrating that it is a myth that you can’t use B20 in cold weather,” added Joe Jobe, CEO of NBB. “As we enter the coldest time of year in many parts of the country, biodiesel users can rest assured that precautions such as using high quality fuel and following proper blending procedures, biodiesel blends are reliable even in sub-zero temperatures.”

To prevent gelling, biodiesel users should be sure to purchase fuel that meets the national standard ASTM D 6751, according to Richard Nelson, director of engineering extension for Kansas State University’s College of Engineering.

“Secondly, they need to understand that good fuel management is extremely important, and that is amplified in winter,” he added.

Fuel management could include: blending biodiesel with kerosene; blending with diesel that’s been treated with a cold weather additive; using block and filter heaters; storing vehicles indoors.

For more winter tips, visit www.biodiesel.org/cold.