Monday, June 30, 2008
Another step toward algae diesel
An American company called Solazyme has announced that its algae derived biodiesel has passed US standards testing and is compatible with unmodified diesel engines. The process can use waste materials and has a big advantage over farmed biodiesel in that it doesn't take capacity away from food production.
via Jalopnik
Technorati tag: biodiesel
posted by Ian at 3:25 PM
An American company called Solazyme has announced that its algae derived biodiesel has passed US standards testing and is compatible with unmodified diesel engines. The process can use waste materials and has a big advantage over farmed biodiesel in that it doesn't take capacity away from food production.
via Jalopnik
Technorati tag: biodiesel
Labels: algae diesel, Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 3:25 PM
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Algae powered adventures in Chicago
In a piece of brilliant education a Chicago science teacher ran a project with his students to see if they could create enough biodiesel from algae to run a VW camper on a 20 mile round trip from their school to the Sears tower and back again. The algae "farm" was set up in a corner of the classroom, using fluorescent lamps to double for sunlight, and the resulting liquid separated in a centrifuge at a proper lab. A writer for Jalopnik was along for the ride as the battered old vehicle puttered its way through the windy city's heavy Friday traffic.
Obviously the small scale set up the students used was probably carbon negative overal, with its reliance on pumps and artificial light, but large scale algae farms could benefit from natural light and wind or solar PV to power any motors.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 11:09 AM
In a piece of brilliant education a Chicago science teacher ran a project with his students to see if they could create enough biodiesel from algae to run a VW camper on a 20 mile round trip from their school to the Sears tower and back again. The algae "farm" was set up in a corner of the classroom, using fluorescent lamps to double for sunlight, and the resulting liquid separated in a centrifuge at a proper lab. A writer for Jalopnik was along for the ride as the battered old vehicle puttered its way through the windy city's heavy Friday traffic.
Obviously the small scale set up the students used was probably carbon negative overal, with its reliance on pumps and artificial light, but large scale algae farms could benefit from natural light and wind or solar PV to power any motors.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: algae diesel, Biodiesel, transport
posted by Ian at 11:09 AM
Monday, February 25, 2008
Branson's biofuelled jumbo
A Virgin 747 has flown from Heathrow to Schiphol with one of its fuel tanks filled with 20% biofuel. Richard Branson says that commercial flights will be powered by algal biofuel and is investing in alternative fuel development. However, there are questions about the effectiveness of teh systems Virgin will be using, the biggest of which is why aren't they working to cut flights?
Technorati tag: EcoHouse
posted by Ian at 6:10 PM
A Virgin 747 has flown from Heathrow to Schiphol with one of its fuel tanks filled with 20% biofuel. Richard Branson says that commercial flights will be powered by algal biofuel and is investing in alternative fuel development. However, there are questions about the effectiveness of teh systems Virgin will be using, the biggest of which is why aren't they working to cut flights?
Technorati tag: EcoHouse
Labels: Air travel, Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:10 PM
Monday, February 04, 2008
To Timbuktu on Chocodiesel
Biotruck took a biodiesel processing plant to Timbuktu in Mali, so the locals could produce fuel from waste cooking oil. They made the journey carbon neutral by powering their truck with biodiesel derived from waste chocolate.
via BoingBoing
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 12:57 PM
Biotruck took a biodiesel processing plant to Timbuktu in Mali, so the locals could produce fuel from waste cooking oil. They made the journey carbon neutral by powering their truck with biodiesel derived from waste chocolate.
via BoingBoing
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Africa, Biodiesel, carbon neutral
posted by Ian at 12:57 PM
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Biofuel duty cut
I missed this when it was announced, but I think it's a step in the right direction-
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 8:12 PM
I missed this when it was announced, but I think it's a step in the right direction-
Small biodiesel producers will no longer have to pay duty of their fuel, while medium sized manufacturers will only have to pay quarterly rather than monthly. Under changes to the duty process which will come into force on Saturday (30 June) only those producing more than 450,000 litres per annum will not see any changes to the amount or way they pay duty. An HMRC spokesman says: "We can confirm that, with effect from 30 June, producers of biofuel of less than 2,500 litres annually will no longer need to pay any excise duty. Those producing up to 450,000 litres annually will only need to submit and pay returns quarterly.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 8:12 PM
Thursday, September 06, 2007
A plug in biodiesel system
Or, as the people at Toolmonger call it "Biodiesel for dummies". The BioPro 190 from AGR Energy can produce 50 gallons of biodiesel every two days, runs off a domestic power supply and has a small footprint so it could sit unobtrusively in the corner of a garage. You still need to handle chemicals- methanol, lye and sulphuric acid- but they have tried to cut this to a minimum, claiming that one batch requires just half an hour of priming.
You could build your own biodiesel reactor for less, but I imagine a creative fast food outlet that incorporated one of these to fuel its fleet would have less trouble with health and safety than if they set up a bodge with oil drums in the back yard.
Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 9:45 AM
Or, as the people at Toolmonger call it "Biodiesel for dummies". The BioPro 190 from AGR Energy can produce 50 gallons of biodiesel every two days, runs off a domestic power supply and has a small footprint so it could sit unobtrusively in the corner of a garage. You still need to handle chemicals- methanol, lye and sulphuric acid- but they have tried to cut this to a minimum, claiming that one batch requires just half an hour of priming.
You could build your own biodiesel reactor for less, but I imagine a creative fast food outlet that incorporated one of these to fuel its fleet would have less trouble with health and safety than if they set up a bodge with oil drums in the back yard.
Technorati tag: EcoHouse, Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 9:45 AM
Friday, August 10, 2007
BioDepot - franchising biodiesel
I doubt it's the first eco franchise to come along, but it's the first I've seen. For a minimum investment of £35,000 franchisees can start producing fuel compliant with EN 14214 and ASTM standards (more on biodiesel standards).
I'd like to see biodiesel pumps springing up everywhere, so long as the primary source of raw material is locally sourced waste cooking oil. More power to them.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 12:01 PM
I doubt it's the first eco franchise to come along, but it's the first I've seen. For a minimum investment of £35,000 franchisees can start producing fuel compliant with EN 14214 and ASTM standards (more on biodiesel standards).
Included in the franchise package are:
* A complete production plant (Bio Micro Brewery)
* Collection facilities for base material (UVO & Crush)
* End user sales systems (Public & Commercial)
* A production by-product disposal system
* Quality fresh vegetable oil delivery
* Full Training: (operational Bio Diesel production, technical, business/finance, sales & marketing.)
* Full launch programme
* Ongoing mentoring and quality assurance support
* National branded identity
* Significant personal income potential (In excess of £100,000)
I'd like to see biodiesel pumps springing up everywhere, so long as the primary source of raw material is locally sourced waste cooking oil. More power to them.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel, Cars, Franchise
posted by Ian at 12:01 PM
Monday, May 21, 2007
Hot Rodding for the Environment
If you must use a car, then you should at least try to use it as efficiently as possible. Jalopnik has some simple suggestions for improving mileage. Obviously, I would have put "Don't use your car when you don't have to" at the top of the list, but I don't have a car, so it's my only option.
Should I ever need to get a car I'll be looking for something I can run on biodiesel, or possibly a biodiesel/ petroleum diesel mix because you can't always get to a green fuel pump. I hanker for a Volvo estate or small van to cart my bikes around in. Efficiency isn't such a concern with a closed circuit fuel supply like biodiesel, but VCACarFuelData.org.uk, allows you to search for your next ride by this and other criteria. If I could forgo the space considerations then the Citroen C1 would be worth considering, the most efficient of the cars currently listed on there.
Of course, another option is to do something as inventive as this Russian driver, who replaced his Opel's engine with a 50kw motor and filled all the spare space with batteries.
Technorati tag: Electric car, Fuel Efficiency, Transport
posted by Ian at 10:47 AM
If you must use a car, then you should at least try to use it as efficiently as possible. Jalopnik has some simple suggestions for improving mileage. Obviously, I would have put "Don't use your car when you don't have to" at the top of the list, but I don't have a car, so it's my only option.
Should I ever need to get a car I'll be looking for something I can run on biodiesel, or possibly a biodiesel/ petroleum diesel mix because you can't always get to a green fuel pump. I hanker for a Volvo estate or small van to cart my bikes around in. Efficiency isn't such a concern with a closed circuit fuel supply like biodiesel, but VCACarFuelData.org.uk, allows you to search for your next ride by this and other criteria. If I could forgo the space considerations then the Citroen C1 would be worth considering, the most efficient of the cars currently listed on there.
Of course, another option is to do something as inventive as this Russian driver, who replaced his Opel's engine with a 50kw motor and filled all the spare space with batteries.
Technorati tag: Electric car, Fuel Efficiency, Transport
Labels: Biodiesel, Electric car, fuel efficiency, transport
posted by Ian at 10:47 AM
Monday, March 05, 2007
Shell's Biomass to Liquid biofuels
Shell are investing in a technology to convert wood chips and straw to biodiesel, to take the strain off food crops.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:06 PM
Shell are investing in a technology to convert wood chips and straw to biodiesel, to take the strain off food crops.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:06 PM
Thursday, September 07, 2006
MPs' green press releases
Technorati tag: MP, Press Release
posted by Ian at 12:11 PM
Government could drive biodiesel off the road - Williams
Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Food and Rural Affairs, Roger Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon and Radnorshire today criticized Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for their review on biodiesel – due to end tomorrow.
A point in the terms of reference of the Review implies that the Government is planning to increase the duty on vegetable oils and biodiesels as fuels. This could see the duty on these fuels more than double from 21.1pence/litre to a whopping 47.1pence/litre.
Commenting on this news, Roger Williams said: "With this government making such a big song and dance about green energy, it is shocking that they are considering lumbering those who want to make a difference to their ecological footprint with such a hefty price rise.
"The biodiesel and vegetable oil industries are young, so such a huge hike in the levels of duty runs the risk of stopping these industries in their tracks.
"Such actions undermine investor confidence in the industry and in consumers who may choose not to convert their vehicles to use the more environmentally sound varieties.
"It's ludicrous that while we pay just 9p/litre of duty on most normal fuels, environmentally friendly biodiesel and vegetable oil fuels carry twice as much tax.
"Many farmers in Wales have been encouraged to diversify their activities and invest in biodiesels and vegetable oils. An increase on the duty paid on their products is a betrayal to them and to everyone who is deeply concerned about the threat of climate change.
"I have written to the HMRC to express my concern and ask them for their reasoning behind such proposals."
"AGROTERRORISM COULD THREATEN UK ECONOMY AND FOOD SUPPLY" - WILLIAMS
With attention focused on airplanes and transport infrastructure as the main means of launching a terrorist attack on the UK, a threat to Britain's food supply has been relatively overlooked. Agroterrorism could impact the UK's economy, as well as food supply.
Speaking on the possibility of an agroterrorist attack on the UK, Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Food and Rural Affairs said:
"Contamination of a nation's food supply could be a very easy task for terrorists to achieve, with chemical agents easy to conceal and distribute. Agro-terrorism is furthermore a very cost-effective form of causing major disruption, with a small amount of a high risk chemical potentially producing an epidemic of nationwide proportions."
"There is also the risk of an agroterrorist attack elsewhere in the world which could lead to a halt in imports and increased British agricultural self-sufficiency. DEFRA has quoted that we have between 15 and 25 days' supply of wheat for milling, but I will be writing to Ben Bradshaw to find out how many days' supply we have of other important foodstuffs."
"This is not an issue for public panic, but one that DEFRA and the farming community should be looking into, formulating precautionary actions to be taken in the event of such an attack. We must also look again at what agriculture can do to reduce the better known threat of terrorist bombs containing fertilisers. I believe we need to review the security of fertiliser stores as up to 66% of farmers do not consider it at all."
Technorati tag: MP, Press Release
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 12:11 PM
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Why is vegetable oil taxed?
That's City Hippy's Question of the Week this week. There are already a few answers, basically it seems that there is an excise on fuel and the Government wants its share, no matter how green the fuel is.
Technorati tag: Tax, Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 8:35 AM
That's City Hippy's Question of the Week this week. There are already a few answers, basically it seems that there is an excise on fuel and the Government wants its share, no matter how green the fuel is.
Technorati tag: Tax, Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 8:35 AM
Friday, June 30, 2006
Biodiesel from Algae
Biodiesel and ethanol could be vital parts of the switch from oil dependency, but some of the current means of producing them are too energy intensive and damaging in their own right. PetroSun Drilling Inc. has created a subsidiary- Algae BioFuels Inc.- to research and develop algae cultivation as an energy source in the production of biodiesel. Studies have demonstrated that algae is capable of producing 30 times more oil per acre than the crops currently grown for biofuel production and the resulting fuel is low sulphur, non-toxic and biodegradable.
If they can find a way to break down waste products to provide nutrients, that would be even better.
via Treehugger
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Algae
posted by Ian at 9:55 AM
Biodiesel and ethanol could be vital parts of the switch from oil dependency, but some of the current means of producing them are too energy intensive and damaging in their own right. PetroSun Drilling Inc. has created a subsidiary- Algae BioFuels Inc.- to research and develop algae cultivation as an energy source in the production of biodiesel. Studies have demonstrated that algae is capable of producing 30 times more oil per acre than the crops currently grown for biofuel production and the resulting fuel is low sulphur, non-toxic and biodegradable.
If they can find a way to break down waste products to provide nutrients, that would be even better.
via Treehugger
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Algae
posted by Ian at 9:55 AM
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Big bucks for high mileage
After paying out $10million for the first non-government space flight, the X Prize Foundation is coming back down to Earth. It has announced a prize of $25million for the company that produces the first commercially succesful car with a fuel consumption over 250 miles per gallon. The money goes to the first company to sell 10,000 of such a super efficient vehicle, though the exact rules and requirements are still being worked on.
via Jalopnik, where they have the following take on the McDonalds franchisee who runs his car on the waste oil from his burger bars-
Greasecar.com, for all your fast food fuel supplies.
Technorati tag: Economy, Transport, Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 7:08 PM
After paying out $10million for the first non-government space flight, the X Prize Foundation is coming back down to Earth. It has announced a prize of $25million for the company that produces the first commercially succesful car with a fuel consumption over 250 miles per gallon. The money goes to the first company to sell 10,000 of such a super efficient vehicle, though the exact rules and requirements are still being worked on.
via Jalopnik, where they have the following take on the McDonalds franchisee who runs his car on the waste oil from his burger bars-
Man, here's a dichotomy. A Mississippi man who owns four McDonald's franchises has converted his Ford pickup and his VW Beetle to run on excess grease from his stores; the four locations dispose of 10,000 gallons a year, giving him basically unlimited supply of food. According to him, it's about environmental sustainability and independence from foreign oil, yet ironically, dude owns four McDonald's franchises; rainforests are being clearcut for land to raise cattle to satiate the world’s appetite for meat, and all those cows release volatile organic compounds out their bums, which leads to air-quality problems like we see in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. That said, we’re a vegetarian and our car has a V-8. We'll shut up now.
Greasecar.com, for all your fast food fuel supplies.
Technorati tag: Economy, Transport, Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 7:08 PM
Friday, February 03, 2006
On your (biodiesel) bike
Jalopnik points to an auction on EBay of a biodiesel powered motorbike. The Royal Enfield 350cc diesel motorcycle was imported to the US from India and then converted to run on biodiesel before seeing duty as a demo bike for the concept. It gets around 200 miles to the gallon, though it's more of an around town potterer than a grand touring or racing bike.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Royal Enfield
posted by Ian at 10:27 AM
Jalopnik points to an auction on EBay of a biodiesel powered motorbike. The Royal Enfield 350cc diesel motorcycle was imported to the US from India and then converted to run on biodiesel before seeing duty as a demo bike for the concept. It gets around 200 miles to the gallon, though it's more of an around town potterer than a grand touring or racing bike.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Royal Enfield
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:27 AM
Friday, January 13, 2006
Appleseed biodiesel processor
The "Appleseed" processor is an open source design for a cheap biodiesel refinery utilising an old water heater tank and easily available plumbing supplies. It's proved very popular with loads of versions, variations and improvements.
via Sustainablog
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Home Brew
posted by Ian at 9:27 AM
The "Appleseed" processor is an open source design for a cheap biodiesel refinery utilising an old water heater tank and easily available plumbing supplies. It's proved very popular with loads of versions, variations and improvements.
via Sustainablog
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Home Brew
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 9:27 AM
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Police Horse Power
Manchester's Police horses are to contribute to cutting the costs of their upkeep. Dung from the equine coppers is to be compressed into bricks that can then be burnt to provide heating and hot water for the stables, helping reduce its £1.5m annual energy bill.
There are other initiatives as well- all the force's 1,275 diesel vehicles were converted to using biodiesel this week.
Technorati tag: biomass, Recycling, Manchester
posted by Ian at 10:59 AM
Manchester's Police horses are to contribute to cutting the costs of their upkeep. Dung from the equine coppers is to be compressed into bricks that can then be burnt to provide heating and hot water for the stables, helping reduce its £1.5m annual energy bill.
Shauna Carberry said: "This idea really stood out and as soon as we can find the money we are definitely going to put it into practice. The horse manure will provide heating and hot water for the stable block and it is likely to provide more energy on top of that.
"We're not sure yet exactly how much money will be saved, but it's likely to be a lot once the furnace costs are out of the way."
There are other initiatives as well- all the force's 1,275 diesel vehicles were converted to using biodiesel this week.
Technorati tag: biomass, Recycling, Manchester
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:59 AM
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Manchester's first biodiesel service station
The first service station in the country to sell only biodiesel opened yesterday on Fairfield Street, near Piccadilly Station in Manchester. It was set up by a co-operative of Manchester motorists keen to promote the new energy source.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Manchester
posted by Ian at 3:35 PM
The first service station in the country to sell only biodiesel opened yesterday on Fairfield Street, near Piccadilly Station in Manchester. It was set up by a co-operative of Manchester motorists keen to promote the new energy source.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Manchester
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 3:35 PM
Monday, January 02, 2006
Jatropha powered Le Mans
D1 Oils, previously mentioned as a top supplier of Jatropha curcas tree based biodiesels, is set to enter a car in the 2006 Le Mans 24 hours. The top speed from the modified Volkswagen engine is 200mph, compared to 215mph for petrol engines, but the team are counting on the greater efficiency meaning fewer fuelling stops.
via Foursprung and Jalopnik
Technorati tag: biodiesel, Jatropha, Le Mans
posted by Ian at 9:31 AM
D1 Oils, previously mentioned as a top supplier of Jatropha curcas tree based biodiesels, is set to enter a car in the 2006 Le Mans 24 hours. The top speed from the modified Volkswagen engine is 200mph, compared to 215mph for petrol engines, but the team are counting on the greater efficiency meaning fewer fuelling stops.
D1 chief executive Philip Wood said apart from winning the coveted Le Mans gold trophy, the team's other objective is to test the performance, fuel efficiency and emissions produced by different biodiesel blends during the trials.
"This is about demonstrating that low emissions don't mean low performance," he said.
"It is going to be of immense value to motorists who want to know that biodiesel will get them the mileage and performance they need while contributing less to global warming."
via Foursprung and Jalopnik
Technorati tag: biodiesel, Jatropha, Le Mans
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 9:31 AM
Thursday, December 15, 2005
D1 Oils and Jatropha biodiesel
Another link I found whilst surfing the Co-op's intranet.
D1 Oils want to generate biodiesel from the seeds of the jatropha tree, a hardy shrub that can be grown all over the developing world.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Jatropha
posted by Ian at 6:17 PM
Another link I found whilst surfing the Co-op's intranet.
D1 Oils want to generate biodiesel from the seeds of the jatropha tree, a hardy shrub that can be grown all over the developing world.
Because it requires minimal rainfall, jatropha can be grown successfully on marginal, degraded, or even desert land. The trees also help prevent soil erosion. In addition to yielding oil for refining into biodiesel and glycerol for use by the cosmetics industry, the residual oil cake is excellent organic fertiliser. Research is underway into alternative uses for the residual seedcake, such as animal feed, briquettes for power generation and nutraceuticals.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Jatropha
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:17 PM
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Biodiesel's big bad
Biodiesel could be more carbon intensive than the fossil fuels it replaces. Specifically if it's made from palm oil, the most popular source at present.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:21 PM
Biodiesel could be more carbon intensive than the fossil fuels it replaces. Specifically if it's made from palm oil, the most popular source at present.
Before oil palms, which are small and scrubby, are planted, vast forest trees, containing a much greater store of carbon, must be felled and burnt. Having used up the drier lands, the plantations are moving into the swamp forests, which grow on peat. When they've cut the trees, the planters drain the ground. As the peat dries it oxidises, releasing even more carbon dioxide than the trees. In terms of its impact on both the local and global environments, palm biodiesel is more destructive than crude oil from Nigeria.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:21 PM
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Biodiesel as recycling
Treehugger throws down the challenge, not specifically for the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation but for all, to do really joined up thinking when it comes to adopting biofuels and incorporate recycling rather than just growing stuff specifically to produce fuel. This is what I meant to say at the end of my post about RTFO but forgot to.
Technorati tag: biodiesel, recycling
posted by Ian at 7:21 AM
Treehugger throws down the challenge, not specifically for the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation but for all, to do really joined up thinking when it comes to adopting biofuels and incorporate recycling rather than just growing stuff specifically to produce fuel. This is what I meant to say at the end of my post about RTFO but forgot to.
Technorati tag: biodiesel, recycling
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 7:21 AM
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Make your own fuel
A page of links dedicated to making your own fuels. Everything from Hydrogen to biodiesel.
Technorati tag: Bio Fuel
posted by Ian at 9:00 PM
A page of links dedicated to making your own fuels. Everything from Hydrogen to biodiesel.
Technorati tag: Bio Fuel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 9:00 PM
Friday, September 23, 2005
Put the oil in the coconut...
Coconut oil has proved to be a particularly good biodiesel, not needing the same level of pre-treatment as other biofuels.
via BoingBoing
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:58 AM
Coconut oil has proved to be a particularly good biodiesel, not needing the same level of pre-treatment as other biofuels.
Unlike with many biofuels, coconut oil doens't need to be transesterized - mixed with sodium hydroxide and alcohol to change its chemical composition - to run in a diesel engine. Filtered and warmed to temperatures about 25C, coconut oil is a better than satisfactory substitute for "mineral diesel" - it burns more slowly, which produces more even pressure on engine pistons, reducing engine wear, and lubricates the engine more effectively.
via BoingBoing
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:58 AM
Friday, July 22, 2005
Bio Bling
Only in LA.
So she started buying "pimped out" cars and converting them to run on biodiesel. It's an interesting concept, I'll give it that. There are a couple of stretch limos soiling th eroads of Manchester at the moment. If they were fitted out to run on recycled chip fat I'd be less inclined to torch them.
via Jalopnik
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Los Angeles
posted by Ian at 8:07 AM
Only in LA.
Colette Brooks loves cars. Big cars. Cars with fins, spinners and spoilers; cars that come in nice colors: mustard, seaweed, light teal. The kind of cars that some people might adorn with faux fur and fuzzy dice. But she also loves, as she puts it, "this beautiful blue ball we're so privileged to live on," and her car fetish wasn't exactly squaring with her environmental creds.
So she started buying "pimped out" cars and converting them to run on biodiesel. It's an interesting concept, I'll give it that. There are a couple of stretch limos soiling th eroads of Manchester at the moment. If they were fitted out to run on recycled chip fat I'd be less inclined to torch them.
via Jalopnik
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Los Angeles
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 8:07 AM
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Closing the price gap
Biofuels, ethanol and biodiesel, are getting more competitive as the price of oil soars.
Technorati tag: Biofuel, Oil
posted by Ian at 10:59 PM
Biofuels, ethanol and biodiesel, are getting more competitive as the price of oil soars.
Technorati tag: Biofuel, Oil
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:59 PM
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Dubya saves the world
I've been pondering a question for a few days. One that is just a little heretical
Is George W Bush going to save the World?
Before the wailing and gnashing of teeth begins let me state that it's not something I expect him to do on purpose. Call it ecological blowback- the unforeseen consequence of policies that seem designed to do the exact opposite.
The US is, per capita, the world's biggest consumer of energy. It particularly has a penchant for oil and President Texas Tea is the logical last emperor of the kingdom that petrol built. If the US doesn't slow down its consumption it's due a big crash, one that could easily take the rest of us with it.
So it's for the best that the weak dollar, unrest in the Middle East and whatever other horrible things Dubya's caused means that petrol is now $3 a gallon. When you factor in the exchange rate that doesn't sound like much to us but to a population that has never really had to face up to the true expense of its greed it's quite harsh. Suddenly that SUV is revealed as the wasteful, useless penis extension the rest of us always knew it was.
Every day more and more US citizens are coming to their senses and opting out of the petrol bacchanal. Biofuel- both vegetable oil and ethanol- is being produced in greater amounts. Wired recently reported on what they called the hygrid movement- ordinary citizens protecting their energy supply with home solar or wind.
These aren't the folks on the fringe any more. The new breed of Green is resolutely middle of the road in so many other ways. As Bush's policies continue to hit the middle class we can only expect this constituency to grow and grow.
Even the man himself has paid lip service to biodiesel and fuel cells. But these are a politician's words- from a man other politicians consider untrustworthy- so we shouldn't expect him to really do anything.
In the long term as well Bush's tenure could leave a positive mark. As more cities, and then states, adopt their own Kyoto plans the possibility of a green president becomes stronger. As solar and other renewable technologies become cheaper and more widespread, mor epeople will understand why they should vote for a green president. The oil companies and corporate interests that fund the Bush school of politicians will find their incomes and influence waning. The smart ones will adopt the policies they've spent so many years campaigning against and the dumb ones will die. Foreign oil will become less and less important, bring about the change in the Middle East that force and bribery have failed to create. And the cleaner, greener, nicer United States won't be hated by everyone.
Yes, this is an extremely optimistic vision, but it's not impossible. The only down side will be the revisionists. Much as Reagan is now the man who single handedly brought down Communism- rather than being the guy who was there when it happened- in twenty or thirty years, just as the new Golden Green age is really beginning, we'll have to put up with being told that Dubya did it all on purpose.
Technorati tag: Dubya, Future, Sustainable Development
posted by Ian at 6:38 PM
I've been pondering a question for a few days. One that is just a little heretical
Is George W Bush going to save the World?
Before the wailing and gnashing of teeth begins let me state that it's not something I expect him to do on purpose. Call it ecological blowback- the unforeseen consequence of policies that seem designed to do the exact opposite.
The US is, per capita, the world's biggest consumer of energy. It particularly has a penchant for oil and President Texas Tea is the logical last emperor of the kingdom that petrol built. If the US doesn't slow down its consumption it's due a big crash, one that could easily take the rest of us with it.
So it's for the best that the weak dollar, unrest in the Middle East and whatever other horrible things Dubya's caused means that petrol is now $3 a gallon. When you factor in the exchange rate that doesn't sound like much to us but to a population that has never really had to face up to the true expense of its greed it's quite harsh. Suddenly that SUV is revealed as the wasteful, useless penis extension the rest of us always knew it was.
Every day more and more US citizens are coming to their senses and opting out of the petrol bacchanal. Biofuel- both vegetable oil and ethanol- is being produced in greater amounts. Wired recently reported on what they called the hygrid movement- ordinary citizens protecting their energy supply with home solar or wind.
These aren't the folks on the fringe any more. The new breed of Green is resolutely middle of the road in so many other ways. As Bush's policies continue to hit the middle class we can only expect this constituency to grow and grow.
Even the man himself has paid lip service to biodiesel and fuel cells. But these are a politician's words- from a man other politicians consider untrustworthy- so we shouldn't expect him to really do anything.
In the long term as well Bush's tenure could leave a positive mark. As more cities, and then states, adopt their own Kyoto plans the possibility of a green president becomes stronger. As solar and other renewable technologies become cheaper and more widespread, mor epeople will understand why they should vote for a green president. The oil companies and corporate interests that fund the Bush school of politicians will find their incomes and influence waning. The smart ones will adopt the policies they've spent so many years campaigning against and the dumb ones will die. Foreign oil will become less and less important, bring about the change in the Middle East that force and bribery have failed to create. And the cleaner, greener, nicer United States won't be hated by everyone.
Yes, this is an extremely optimistic vision, but it's not impossible. The only down side will be the revisionists. Much as Reagan is now the man who single handedly brought down Communism- rather than being the guy who was there when it happened- in twenty or thirty years, just as the new Golden Green age is really beginning, we'll have to put up with being told that Dubya did it all on purpose.
Technorati tag: Dubya, Future, Sustainable Development
Labels: Biodiesel, Solar Power, Wind Power
posted by Ian at 6:38 PM
Monday, May 16, 2005
Brazilia
Look to Brazil for a way to go over to a renewable energy economy.
Technorati tag: Renewable Energy, Brazil
posted by Ian at 12:39 PM
Look to Brazil for a way to go over to a renewable energy economy.
Earlier this year, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said his country would become the world's largest producer of renewable energy. Brazil generates 43.8 percent of its power from renewable energy sources, including hydroelectricity, ethanol and biodiesel, according to Agencia Brasil, a government communications division. By contrast, the United States produced only 6 percent of its power from renewable sources in 2003, according to the Department of Energy's Annual Energy Outlook 2005.
According to the CIA's World Factbook, Brazil's economy is one-eighth the size of the United States', yet the country produces more ethanol, mostly from sugar cane.
Technorati tag: Renewable Energy, Brazil
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 12:39 PM
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Two birds with one coconut
Tablas Island is one of the poorest parts of the Phillipines. It also has the highest harvest of coconuts. So a newly opened biodiesel plant that makes fuel from the coconuts serves two purposes- fuel independence and a cash crop from over production.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:06 AM
Tablas Island is one of the poorest parts of the Phillipines. It also has the highest harvest of coconuts. So a newly opened biodiesel plant that makes fuel from the coconuts serves two purposes- fuel independence and a cash crop from over production.
"We deliberately chose Romblon because it is an island province and it is coconut-producing. This being an island economy, diesel prices in the region are higher because of cost of transporting the fuel so it makes sense that the province look for an alternative fuel using the raw materials available, which is copra," [DOST Secretary Estrella] Alabastro said.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:06 AM
Friday, May 06, 2005
The biodiesel lorry is coming
Cambridge University has mounted a biodiesel refining plant on the back of a lorry so it can go to farms and convert rape oil to fuel at source. The portable refinery is the first in the world that can continuously produce fuel, rather than having to be emptied and cleaned after every batch.
A little bit at the end, however, has me pondering the mathematics of commercial biodiesel-
Unless I've read that wrong, or it's badly phrased, Tesco are taking advantage of a rebate and buyers' goodwill to gouge a profit whilst looking green. Surely they could make it a win-win by selling 5% biodiesel for a couple of pennies less and still make more per litre because of the rebate.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 2:53 PM
Cambridge University has mounted a biodiesel refining plant on the back of a lorry so it can go to farms and convert rape oil to fuel at source. The portable refinery is the first in the world that can continuously produce fuel, rather than having to be emptied and cleaned after every batch.
A little bit at the end, however, has me pondering the mathematics of commercial biodiesel-
The government has made this market profitable by giving a tax rebate of 20p on every litre sold compared with commercial diesel. Tesco has begun selling a form of bio-diesel in some garages. It contains 5% bio-diesel and costs 2p a litre more than the 100% petrol version giving Tesco a substantial profit on each litre.
Unless I've read that wrong, or it's badly phrased, Tesco are taking advantage of a rebate and buyers' goodwill to gouge a profit whilst looking green. Surely they could make it a win-win by selling 5% biodiesel for a couple of pennies less and still make more per litre because of the rebate.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 2:53 PM
Saturday, April 16, 2005
I can't drive for miles and miles
Volkswagen have halted development of a super efficient vehicle. The two seater had a 300cc diesel engine and super light frame and could manage 60 miles per litre. However it lacked luggage space and was going to be too expensive to produce. It's sort of a loss and not a loss. VW are still producing the Lupo TDI, which does 20 miles per litre. Combine that with biodiesel and you could be onto a winner.
via Jalopnik
Technorati tag: Fuel economy, Volkswagen
posted by Ian at 12:00 PM
Volkswagen have halted development of a super efficient vehicle. The two seater had a 300cc diesel engine and super light frame and could manage 60 miles per litre. However it lacked luggage space and was going to be too expensive to produce. It's sort of a loss and not a loss. VW are still producing the Lupo TDI, which does 20 miles per litre. Combine that with biodiesel and you could be onto a winner.
via Jalopnik
Technorati tag: Fuel economy, Volkswagen
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 12:00 PM
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Turkey Guts
I was very excited by Thermal Conversion (then referred to as Thermal Depolymerisation) when I first heard about it two years ago. After ten years of development the first Thermal Conversion Process plant has gone live. However, it may not be able to fulfill its promise because of technicalities in the renewable energy funding process.
Also see Cycling on the Pavement: USS Blowjob for a fictional take of TCP/TDP use.
via Sustainablog
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Thermal Conversion Process
posted by Ian at 8:46 AM
I was very excited by Thermal Conversion (then referred to as Thermal Depolymerisation) when I first heard about it two years ago. After ten years of development the first Thermal Conversion Process plant has gone live. However, it may not be able to fulfill its promise because of technicalities in the renewable energy funding process.
According to the company, CWT is unable to expand its U.S. operations due to limitations on the tax credit definition created by the Jobs Bill of 2004. Wording in the bill promotes development of biodiesel fuel from specific feedstocks, Appel said, but to the exclusion of other renewable energy sources such as oil produced by TCP. The Jobs Bill grants a tax credit of 50 cents to the dollar per gallon of biodiesel specifically derived from virgin soybeans and used cooking oils. CWT's TCP-derived fuel, which meets the universal definition of biodiesel as a liquid fuel produced from biomass and utilizes animal waste from nearby poultry processing facilities as its feedstock, is excluded from the tax credit.
Also see Cycling on the Pavement: USS Blowjob for a fictional take of TCP/TDP use.
via Sustainablog
Technorati tag: Biodiesel, Thermal Conversion Process
posted by Ian at 8:46 AM
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Clean Green
It's all well and good going over to biodiesel as a way to free yourself from the oil industry, but you're still burning fuel and pumping something out the back. Is it actually any cleaner?
Yes, according to the study cited by WVOfuels.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 4:34 PM
It's all well and good going over to biodiesel as a way to free yourself from the oil industry, but you're still burning fuel and pumping something out the back. Is it actually any cleaner?
Yes, according to the study cited by WVOfuels.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 4:34 PM
Monday, April 04, 2005
Home Brew
Off-Grid on making your own Biodiesel. I almost wish I had a car so I could try this stuff out.
The book recommended in the post isn't available through Amazon, but you can get How to make Biodiesel
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 9:40 PM
Off-Grid on making your own Biodiesel. I almost wish I had a car so I could try this stuff out.
The book recommended in the post isn't available through Amazon, but you can get How to make Biodiesel
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 9:40 PM
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Greenergy
Tesco has partnered with Greenergy to build the UK's largest biodiesel refinery. The refinery should be running by mid 2006, using rape seed oil from British farms. I reckon there's still a niche market for local recycling of oil from restaurants by co-ops, but amajor development such as this is great for raising the profile of bio fuels.
via Sustainablog
Technorati tag: BioDiesel
posted by Ian at 3:22 PM
Tesco has partnered with Greenergy to build the UK's largest biodiesel refinery. The refinery should be running by mid 2006, using rape seed oil from British farms. I reckon there's still a niche market for local recycling of oil from restaurants by co-ops, but amajor development such as this is great for raising the profile of bio fuels.
via Sustainablog
Technorati tag: BioDiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 3:22 PM
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Bio-Beetle
If you go to Hawaii be sure to rent one of these BioDiesel fueled Beetles to get around the islands.
via Treehugger and Jalopnik
Technorati tag: BioDiesel
posted by Ian at 3:21 PM
If you go to Hawaii be sure to rent one of these BioDiesel fueled Beetles to get around the islands.
via Treehugger and Jalopnik
Technorati tag: BioDiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 3:21 PM
Friday, March 25, 2005
Home Grown
Green Fuels sell BioDiesel production units ranging from the domestic to industrial.
Technorati tag: BioDiesel
posted by Ian at 5:38 PM
Green Fuels sell BioDiesel production units ranging from the domestic to industrial.
Technorati tag: BioDiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 5:38 PM
Monday, March 14, 2005
Big biodiesel
America's biodiesel producers are forming co-ops to increase output and raise their profiles.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:50 PM
America's biodiesel producers are forming co-ops to increase output and raise their profiles.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 6:50 PM
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Biodiesel wars
Biodiesel is on its way to becoming a mainstream fuel in the US. However the plans for mass production are alienating some of the pioneers
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 1:19 PM
Biodiesel is on its way to becoming a mainstream fuel in the US. However the plans for mass production are alienating some of the pioneers
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 1:19 PM
Sunday, January 16, 2005
On the road again
Country singer Willie Nelson has started a biodiesel company. Wired investigates.
Technorati tag: biodiesel
posted by Ian at 3:12 PM
Country singer Willie Nelson has started a biodiesel company. Wired investigates.
Technorati tag: biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 3:12 PM
Friday, January 14, 2005
Mike Pelly's Biodiesel Method
A fairly detailed explanation of how to make biodiesel.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 5:47 PM
A fairly detailed explanation of how to make biodiesel.
Technorati tag: Biodiesel
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 5:47 PM
Monday, January 10, 2005
Bluegrass
Johnny Buck is at a farm/ biodiesel refinery and has decided to post a video about his first few days. I wonder if there's an equivalent establishment in the UK?
posted by Ian at 10:56 AM
Johnny Buck is at a farm/ biodiesel refinery and has decided to post a video about his first few days. I wonder if there's an equivalent establishment in the UK?
Labels: Biodiesel
posted by Ian at 10:56 AM
