Sunday, December 03, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
General Motors To Introduce Hybrid/Flex Fuel Vehicles
GM will introduce it's prototype "plug-in hybrid" sometime in the year 2007, very exciting news!
Tri-Cities Washington Has Biodiesel News!
A small home Biodiesel producing company has expanded to county land in Burbank, WA and will start production in 2007. Their goal is 5 million gallons of Biodiesel in their first year.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
15 Facts About Hybrid Cars
Part III of our series of facts on alternative fuels brings us to the subject of: Hybrid Cars
With the price of oil skyrocketing lately combined with a growing interest in doing less harm to the environment, there has been a great deal of interest in hybrid cars over the past few years. Most major automobile manufacturers now have at least one model of a hybrid car in production, whereas just a short time ago they were a rarity. Hybrid cars differ from electric cars and cars designed to run on alternative fuels, but are also an alternative fuel option themselves. Below is our basic fact sheet on the subject of hybrid cars.
• Most hybrid cars out on the roads right now are gas-electric hybrids. Diesel-electric hybrid cars are only in the development/beginning stages for some manufacturers and in limited production by others.
• While a hybrid car has a gasoline powered engine similar to a standard car, the engine is much smaller however, and uses additional technology to minimize emissions while increasing efficiency.
• In addition to the gasoline powered engine, a hybrid car has an advanced electric motor which also acts like a generator at times.
• Almost all hybrid cars make use of a technology called regenerative braking that allows the car to recover energy through the slowing down process.
• A hybrid car's batteries are where the energy made by the electric motor is stored.
• A hybrid car's electric motor can put energy into as well as draw energy from the batteries.
• The transmission performs essentially the same functions in a hybrid car as it does in a standard car. Most hybrid cars have conventional transmissions, although some have very different ones altogether.
• Types of hybrid cars have been around and sold to the public sine the late 1800's, including one manufactured by Porsche.
• A hybrid car has less wear and tear on its braking system thanks to the regenerative braking technology it uses.
• In one type of hybrid, called a parallel hybrid, both the electric motor and gasoline powered engine are connected to the transmission, giving both the ability to propel the car.
• In another type of hybrid, called a series hybrid, the gasoline powered engine provides power to the generator which can charge the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that has the responsibility of driving the transmission. In this type of hybrid the gasoline engine technically does not directly power the car.
• Studies indicate that a hybrid car puts out 80 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and reactive hydrocarbons than a standard gasoline powered vehicle.
• Federal, state, and local governments are offering incentives for consumers to purchase hybrid vehicles. These incentives range from free meter parking to income tax credits.
• A plug-in hybrid car is a car that can also operate as a straight electric powered vehicle for shorter commutes and uses the additional gasoline engine power for longer commutes.
• Hybrid cars have reduced wear and tear on their gasoline engines because not as much fuel is run through them and not as much is required from them.
Hybrid cars have been both the beneficiary of and the inspiration for new technological developments in the automotive industry. Thorough testing has determined that some models of hybrid cars can be more fuel efficient than straight gasoline powered cars and at the same time be just as responsive and powerful. Hybrid cars remain today a viable option for families and businesses that want to reduce their reliance on petroleum, save money on fuel, impact the environment in a better way, or all three of those reasons combined.
With the price of oil skyrocketing lately combined with a growing interest in doing less harm to the environment, there has been a great deal of interest in hybrid cars over the past few years. Most major automobile manufacturers now have at least one model of a hybrid car in production, whereas just a short time ago they were a rarity. Hybrid cars differ from electric cars and cars designed to run on alternative fuels, but are also an alternative fuel option themselves. Below is our basic fact sheet on the subject of hybrid cars.
• Most hybrid cars out on the roads right now are gas-electric hybrids. Diesel-electric hybrid cars are only in the development/beginning stages for some manufacturers and in limited production by others.
• While a hybrid car has a gasoline powered engine similar to a standard car, the engine is much smaller however, and uses additional technology to minimize emissions while increasing efficiency.
• In addition to the gasoline powered engine, a hybrid car has an advanced electric motor which also acts like a generator at times.
• Almost all hybrid cars make use of a technology called regenerative braking that allows the car to recover energy through the slowing down process.
• A hybrid car's batteries are where the energy made by the electric motor is stored.
• A hybrid car's electric motor can put energy into as well as draw energy from the batteries.
• The transmission performs essentially the same functions in a hybrid car as it does in a standard car. Most hybrid cars have conventional transmissions, although some have very different ones altogether.
• Types of hybrid cars have been around and sold to the public sine the late 1800's, including one manufactured by Porsche.
• A hybrid car has less wear and tear on its braking system thanks to the regenerative braking technology it uses.
• In one type of hybrid, called a parallel hybrid, both the electric motor and gasoline powered engine are connected to the transmission, giving both the ability to propel the car.
• In another type of hybrid, called a series hybrid, the gasoline powered engine provides power to the generator which can charge the batteries or provide power to the electric motor that has the responsibility of driving the transmission. In this type of hybrid the gasoline engine technically does not directly power the car.
• Studies indicate that a hybrid car puts out 80 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and reactive hydrocarbons than a standard gasoline powered vehicle.
• Federal, state, and local governments are offering incentives for consumers to purchase hybrid vehicles. These incentives range from free meter parking to income tax credits.
• A plug-in hybrid car is a car that can also operate as a straight electric powered vehicle for shorter commutes and uses the additional gasoline engine power for longer commutes.
• Hybrid cars have reduced wear and tear on their gasoline engines because not as much fuel is run through them and not as much is required from them.
Hybrid cars have been both the beneficiary of and the inspiration for new technological developments in the automotive industry. Thorough testing has determined that some models of hybrid cars can be more fuel efficient than straight gasoline powered cars and at the same time be just as responsive and powerful. Hybrid cars remain today a viable option for families and businesses that want to reduce their reliance on petroleum, save money on fuel, impact the environment in a better way, or all three of those reasons combined.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
25 Facts About Biodiesel
Continuing our ongoing fact sheet series, we offer:
Biodiesel Fact Sheet: 25 Things To Know
Biodiesel is a popular subject these days due to many factors including world tensions, oil prices, and the environmental impact of petroleum based fuels. Biodiesel has been around for decades but because of this renewed interest, there is a lot of information floating around regarding Biodiesel, some true and some not. Below sits our fact sheet of things to know about Biodiesel.
• The process of turning vegetable oil into Biodiesel is called transesterification.
• Biodiesel is a processed fuel unlike unprocessed alternative-fuels like straight vegetable oil or waste vegetable oil which some diesel engines have been modified to use.
• Biodiesel is cleaner burning than conventional diesel fuel.
• Biodiesel produces fewer emissions during the manufacturing phase than standard petroleum based fuel.
• During the transesterification process, the natural glycerines found in vegetable are separated out and become the only byproduct of the manufacturing of Biodiesel.
• While Biodiesel can and is being produced by current crops of corn and other vegetables, there is research being done on producing vegetables with less focus on taste and more on the quantities of oil they produce.
• Biodiesel is usually yellow in color, although the shade of yellow can vary from production facility to production facility.
• Biodiesel is registered and approved as a fuel and fuel additive by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Biodiesel can be used pure or blended with standard diesel fuel.
• Biodiesel can be produced from mustard, rapeseed, soybeans, palm oil, hemp, algae, and more.
• Used vegetable oil, like that found from restaurants and delicatessens, can also be manufactured into Biodiesel.
• Despite the fact that it is often falsely stated, Biodiesel and raw vegetable oil are not the same thing.
• Biodiesel can be produced at home or bought at fuel stations that deal in alternative fuel either alongside standard fuel or by itself.
• The power derived from Biodiesel is comparable to standard diesel fuel.
• Most manufacturers’ warranties cover the use of Biodiesel in their vehicles.
• The emissions from Biodiesel are safer for bystanders to breathe than that of conventional gasoline or diesel.
• Except under rare circumstances, no engine modifications are needed to run a vehicle on Biodiesel.
• When storing Biodiesel use the same standards and procedures you would use storing gasoline or petroleum based diesel.
• Up to 20% of tailpipe emissions can be reduced by using Biodiesel.
• Biodiesel is rated as less toxic than table salt.
• Biodiesel is biodegradable at about the same rate as that of sugar.
• Biodiesel has a flash point of over 125°C (257°F) and as a result it is safer to store than conventional diesel fuel.
• Because it is manufactured from farm raised crops, the purchase of Biodiesel benefits the farmers that raise those crops.
• Biodiesel can be blended with standard diesel fuel by the manufacturer or the home user can blend it as well.
• When Rudolph Diesel first showed his, at that time, new diesel engine at the World’s Fair in 1898 in France it ran on Peanut Oil and it was quite common for diesel engines to run on vegetable oil until the 1920’s.
Biodiesel is a viable and marketable alternative fuel that is ready for use in engines right now. More and more production facilities are being built and the demand for Biodiesel by consumers has been growing. More information can be found at http://biodieselplans.info The widespread use of Biodiesel would benefit those interested in their country being less dependent on oil producing nations, environmental issues, and high oil prices.
Biodiesel Fact Sheet: 25 Things To Know
Biodiesel is a popular subject these days due to many factors including world tensions, oil prices, and the environmental impact of petroleum based fuels. Biodiesel has been around for decades but because of this renewed interest, there is a lot of information floating around regarding Biodiesel, some true and some not. Below sits our fact sheet of things to know about Biodiesel.
• The process of turning vegetable oil into Biodiesel is called transesterification.
• Biodiesel is a processed fuel unlike unprocessed alternative-fuels like straight vegetable oil or waste vegetable oil which some diesel engines have been modified to use.
• Biodiesel is cleaner burning than conventional diesel fuel.
• Biodiesel produces fewer emissions during the manufacturing phase than standard petroleum based fuel.
• During the transesterification process, the natural glycerines found in vegetable are separated out and become the only byproduct of the manufacturing of Biodiesel.
• While Biodiesel can and is being produced by current crops of corn and other vegetables, there is research being done on producing vegetables with less focus on taste and more on the quantities of oil they produce.
• Biodiesel is usually yellow in color, although the shade of yellow can vary from production facility to production facility.
• Biodiesel is registered and approved as a fuel and fuel additive by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Biodiesel can be used pure or blended with standard diesel fuel.
• Biodiesel can be produced from mustard, rapeseed, soybeans, palm oil, hemp, algae, and more.
• Used vegetable oil, like that found from restaurants and delicatessens, can also be manufactured into Biodiesel.
• Despite the fact that it is often falsely stated, Biodiesel and raw vegetable oil are not the same thing.
• Biodiesel can be produced at home or bought at fuel stations that deal in alternative fuel either alongside standard fuel or by itself.
• The power derived from Biodiesel is comparable to standard diesel fuel.
• Most manufacturers’ warranties cover the use of Biodiesel in their vehicles.
• The emissions from Biodiesel are safer for bystanders to breathe than that of conventional gasoline or diesel.
• Except under rare circumstances, no engine modifications are needed to run a vehicle on Biodiesel.
• When storing Biodiesel use the same standards and procedures you would use storing gasoline or petroleum based diesel.
• Up to 20% of tailpipe emissions can be reduced by using Biodiesel.
• Biodiesel is rated as less toxic than table salt.
• Biodiesel is biodegradable at about the same rate as that of sugar.
• Biodiesel has a flash point of over 125°C (257°F) and as a result it is safer to store than conventional diesel fuel.
• Because it is manufactured from farm raised crops, the purchase of Biodiesel benefits the farmers that raise those crops.
• Biodiesel can be blended with standard diesel fuel by the manufacturer or the home user can blend it as well.
• When Rudolph Diesel first showed his, at that time, new diesel engine at the World’s Fair in 1898 in France it ran on Peanut Oil and it was quite common for diesel engines to run on vegetable oil until the 1920’s.
Biodiesel is a viable and marketable alternative fuel that is ready for use in engines right now. More and more production facilities are being built and the demand for Biodiesel by consumers has been growing. More information can be found at http://biodieselplans.info The widespread use of Biodiesel would benefit those interested in their country being less dependent on oil producing nations, environmental issues, and high oil prices.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
18 Facts About Ethanol
Ethanol Fact Sheet: 18 Things To Know
Due to the price of gasoline, world tensions, and environmental issues there has been a lot in the news lately regarding alternative-fuels. One of the more talked about alternative-fuels is ethanol, what follows is a basic fact sheet on this popular biofuel.
• Ethanol is a vegetable oil based fuel as opposed to standard petroleum fuel.
• Pure ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid.
• Ethanol cuts poisonous exhaust emissions when compared to standard fuel.
• Chemically, Ethanol is a kind of alcohol.
• Ethanol melts at -114° C (-173°F) and boils at 78.5°C (173.5°F).
• Simple sugars are the raw materials that make Ethanol.
• Currently, Ethanol is use mainly by large corporations or government branches who can afford to invest in their own fueling stations, although this is changing.
• Nissan, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford among others make cars that run on Ethanol.
• The vegetables most often associated with the manufacture of Ethanol are corn, barley, trees, grasses, and wheat.
• Ethanol is sometimes used in combination with gasoline, the most popular mixture known as E85 which is 85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline.
• Despite it’s resurgence in popularity, Ethanol has been looked to as a fuel for decades. In fact, Henry Ford originally planned the Model T to run on alcohol.
• Almost all car manufacturers now approve of the use of ethanol in their warranty information.
• The fermentation and the distilling of crops with high sugar content is the basis for making Ethanol.
• Usually industrial grade Ethanol has been denatured, which means a small percentage of unpleasant chemicals (some poisonous) have been added, so it cannot be consumed by humans as an alcoholic beverage.
• Neither the manufacturing or the burning of ethanol adds to the greenhouse effect.
• Ethanol is 100% biodegradable.
• Ethanol is a very high octane substitute for conventional fuel.
• Ethanol can be manufactured privately on an individual level using a still, although it is a little more complex than the manufacture of Biodiesel.
Ethanol is just one of many cleaner burning, sometimes cheaper, better for the world alternative fuels. With the proper research and development, a world that depends less on oil and oil producing countries is a reality.
Due to the price of gasoline, world tensions, and environmental issues there has been a lot in the news lately regarding alternative-fuels. One of the more talked about alternative-fuels is ethanol, what follows is a basic fact sheet on this popular biofuel.
• Ethanol is a vegetable oil based fuel as opposed to standard petroleum fuel.
• Pure ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid.
• Ethanol cuts poisonous exhaust emissions when compared to standard fuel.
• Chemically, Ethanol is a kind of alcohol.
• Ethanol melts at -114° C (-173°F) and boils at 78.5°C (173.5°F).
• Simple sugars are the raw materials that make Ethanol.
• Currently, Ethanol is use mainly by large corporations or government branches who can afford to invest in their own fueling stations, although this is changing.
• Nissan, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford among others make cars that run on Ethanol.
• The vegetables most often associated with the manufacture of Ethanol are corn, barley, trees, grasses, and wheat.
• Ethanol is sometimes used in combination with gasoline, the most popular mixture known as E85 which is 85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline.
• Despite it’s resurgence in popularity, Ethanol has been looked to as a fuel for decades. In fact, Henry Ford originally planned the Model T to run on alcohol.
• Almost all car manufacturers now approve of the use of ethanol in their warranty information.
• The fermentation and the distilling of crops with high sugar content is the basis for making Ethanol.
• Usually industrial grade Ethanol has been denatured, which means a small percentage of unpleasant chemicals (some poisonous) have been added, so it cannot be consumed by humans as an alcoholic beverage.
• Neither the manufacturing or the burning of ethanol adds to the greenhouse effect.
• Ethanol is 100% biodegradable.
• Ethanol is a very high octane substitute for conventional fuel.
• Ethanol can be manufactured privately on an individual level using a still, although it is a little more complex than the manufacture of Biodiesel.
Ethanol is just one of many cleaner burning, sometimes cheaper, better for the world alternative fuels. With the proper research and development, a world that depends less on oil and oil producing countries is a reality.
Great active forum!
For all you new Volkswagen Beetle owners, biodiesel or not, there's an informative and active forum over at www.newbeetle.org, lots of enthusiastic VW owners.
Hybrid Taxi Cab Hits The Streets Of Boston
The city of Boston welcomes it's first hybrid taxi, according to the city this is the first in a long line. A great way to reduce pollution in the city.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Make Bio Diesel For Yourself
Make Bio Diesel for Yourself
By Daniel Roshard
Bio diesel is not a new concept it has been around for quite some time, it is largely the idea of using oils such as vegetable oil and canola to power a diesel vehicle. This is not really a strange concept since the first diesel engine was not made to run on our modern day fossil fuels, but instead was run on peanut oil. Diesel motors do not require the same refined process that is used with modern cars, this in mind diesel engines are not designed for smooth high powered running either, they are more like the draft horse of engines, and will generally last a lot longer than a normal car motor.
Many people who make bio diesel themselves use either used cooking oils or grow crops of canola, and crush it to get oil. Ideally if you have the acreage to grow a crop of canola this is the best method as you are getting clean oil to begin making bio diesel so no time will be wanted in the process of cleaning it. Although used oil from fish and chip shops is just as effective provided that you clean and drain it properly the end result is just as good.
There are many different methods available for making Bio Diesel, A simple one that I have found uses the following ingredients: used cooking oil, Methanol, Sodium Hydroxide.
Note that the oil must be heated and drained twice to ensure that you have got all of the muck out of it, if you don't take the time to do this you will block up your fuel filters. It is advisable to begin with a test batch of bio diesel, this is easily done by using kitchen scales and a blender, with a ratio of 6 grams of sodium Methoxide to 1 liter of cooking oil. This measurement is only a guide that is why you do a test batch, to find out the exact calculation that will be required to make a larger batch.
Heat the oil, add the Methoxide solution and mix this in the blender, and let the mixture stand to settle. If the test batch is successful you will see that the glycerin has sunk to the bottom of the mix once settled, Glycerine looks black, and sinks to the bottom of the blender, but the bio diesel will be an amberish color and will float to the top.This means you have separated the mixture and changed the molecular structure of the oil, it can never revert back to its original status again.
Once you have your calculations correct you can start mixing bigger batches, You will then need to make up a plant for handling larger amounts of oil. There are blue prints of designs all over the internet, they vary in design, just as much as the recipe for bio diesel does! Find one that you feel is easy to make and understand.
On a final note, be sure that you always test the oil first as once you have began the process you cant change your formula. So take care to make sure that all of your calculations are correct before trying to make larger batches. When working with Methanol and Sodium Hydroxide be very careful to take safety precautions to protect yourself from burns, or injury.
Daniel Roshard is an interior designer and environmental activist, studying the integration of traditional house appliances to gardens and outdoors. Daniel writes Biodiesel facts and information articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Roshard
By Daniel Roshard
Bio diesel is not a new concept it has been around for quite some time, it is largely the idea of using oils such as vegetable oil and canola to power a diesel vehicle. This is not really a strange concept since the first diesel engine was not made to run on our modern day fossil fuels, but instead was run on peanut oil. Diesel motors do not require the same refined process that is used with modern cars, this in mind diesel engines are not designed for smooth high powered running either, they are more like the draft horse of engines, and will generally last a lot longer than a normal car motor.
Many people who make bio diesel themselves use either used cooking oils or grow crops of canola, and crush it to get oil. Ideally if you have the acreage to grow a crop of canola this is the best method as you are getting clean oil to begin making bio diesel so no time will be wanted in the process of cleaning it. Although used oil from fish and chip shops is just as effective provided that you clean and drain it properly the end result is just as good.
There are many different methods available for making Bio Diesel, A simple one that I have found uses the following ingredients: used cooking oil, Methanol, Sodium Hydroxide.
Note that the oil must be heated and drained twice to ensure that you have got all of the muck out of it, if you don't take the time to do this you will block up your fuel filters. It is advisable to begin with a test batch of bio diesel, this is easily done by using kitchen scales and a blender, with a ratio of 6 grams of sodium Methoxide to 1 liter of cooking oil. This measurement is only a guide that is why you do a test batch, to find out the exact calculation that will be required to make a larger batch.
Heat the oil, add the Methoxide solution and mix this in the blender, and let the mixture stand to settle. If the test batch is successful you will see that the glycerin has sunk to the bottom of the mix once settled, Glycerine looks black, and sinks to the bottom of the blender, but the bio diesel will be an amberish color and will float to the top.This means you have separated the mixture and changed the molecular structure of the oil, it can never revert back to its original status again.
Once you have your calculations correct you can start mixing bigger batches, You will then need to make up a plant for handling larger amounts of oil. There are blue prints of designs all over the internet, they vary in design, just as much as the recipe for bio diesel does! Find one that you feel is easy to make and understand.
On a final note, be sure that you always test the oil first as once you have began the process you cant change your formula. So take care to make sure that all of your calculations are correct before trying to make larger batches. When working with Methanol and Sodium Hydroxide be very careful to take safety precautions to protect yourself from burns, or injury.
Daniel Roshard is an interior designer and environmental activist, studying the integration of traditional house appliances to gardens and outdoors. Daniel writes Biodiesel facts and information articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Roshard
Saturday, October 07, 2006
The Best Thing About Biodiesel
Biodiesel is an alternative-fuel option for diesel burning motors. It has similar chemical properties to standard mineral based diesel but differs in that it has many positive traits for the people of the world and the environment. Biodiesel has many benefits that it offers the manufacturers, the growers, the sellers, and the consumers. But what is the best thing about Biodiesel?
Facts:
- Biodiesel’s raw materials are renewable.
- Biodiesel manufacturing produces virtually no waste product.
- Biodiesel makes western governments less dependent on oil producing countries.
- Biodiesel burns cleaner than standard diesel fuel.
- Biodiesel offers similar performance results as standard diesel fuel.
- Biodiesel is cleaner to manufacture than standard diesel fuel.
The best thing about Biodiesel though is that it is not the fuel of the future, the future is now. Biodiesel is ready to be manufactured and consumed as we speak. Many times when a new technology becomes a reality there is a lag time between when it is invented or developed and when it is ready to be released for general use. This lag time is generally used to let all segments of the manufacturing, distributing, and consumption process become a reality. With Biodiesel, this lag time is not needed.
Bringing Biodiesel to the marketplace would involve four main components. Raw materials to manufacture the fuel from must be found and obtained. Fuel must be processed, or refined, so that it is able to be put into vehicles. There must be a distribution plan setup to get the fuel to market. There must be end users who are able to use the finished fuel product.
The raw materials for Biodiesel are vegetation. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil. In most cases corn or soybean oil is used to make the vegetable oil that is eventually turned into Biodiesel. As these raw materials are very common in almost every corner of the world, obtaining them is not difficult at all.
The processing of Biodiesel is going on right this very minute. Far sighted companies and individuals have been putting millions upon millions of dollars into Biodiesel processing plants all around the world. Millions and millions of gallons of Biodiesel can be made in the
The physical properties of Biodiesel are so similar to that of standard diesel fuel that all machinery in use now that is used to handle the distribution of diesel fuel could be used in the distribution of Biodiesel. From the fuel tankers that haul it down the freeway to the gas station’s underground tanks and above ground fuel pumps, Biodiesel needs no special equipment that is not already in use.
So, now we have grown the raw materials, manufactured the Biodiesel, and delivered it to the fuel stations, all that’s left is finding the consumers. Biodiesel can be used in most standard diesel fuel engines with little to no adjustment made to the engine itself. Wherever there is a standard diesel fuel burning automobile, there is a potential end user for Biodiesel.
Biodiesel is ready now to be manufactured, delivered, and used as an alternative to petroleum based fuels. When thinking of the possibilities of Biodiesel, we no longer have to think of “one day”, we can just think of “today”.
Biodiesel Kits, Another Way To Stick It To Big Oil
A great story on how regular people, not scientists, can run their cars on cleaner burning Biodiesel.
For more information on how to do this, don't forget to check out our homepage at BiodieselPlans.info!
For more information on how to do this, don't forget to check out our homepage at BiodieselPlans.info!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Exciting News For West Virginia Schools And Alternative Fuel
Soy based Biodiesel will be the fuel of choice of 15 West Virginia school districts this year.
What a great way for those responsible for molding the minds of the future, to show they care about the future.
What a great way for those responsible for molding the minds of the future, to show they care about the future.
Australia Moves Toward Ethanol Mandates
Apparently Australia's government is not above forcing oil companies to do the right thing.
Canada's Commercial Alcohols, Inc. Changes Names
To emphasize it's expansion into the ethanol market, Commercial Alcohols, Inc. has change it's name to GreenField Ethanol, Inc.
Nice to see that the alternative fuel market is driving some companies vision at the moment.
Nice to see that the alternative fuel market is driving some companies vision at the moment.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Xethanol Applauds Georgia Governor's Proposal
Xethanol Corporation praised Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue's proposal for tax exemption for the construction of biofuels facilities in Georgia.
BiodieselPlans.info would like to echo the praise for the Georgia Governor and thank him for thinking of the future as well as the current times.
BiodieselPlans.info would like to echo the praise for the Georgia Governor and thank him for thinking of the future as well as the current times.
GSP, Inc To Build Containerized Biodiesel Plants
Green Star Products, Inc. will begin making containerized Biodiesel manufacturing plants at their Glenns Ferry, Idaho facility.
I believe this is a big step forward in the Biodiesel market. Think of the impact of readily available, semi-affordable, somewhat-mobile Biodiesel manufacturing plants. Could this lead to widespread use? I like their comparison of this process to the making manufactured homes, and look at what that did to that industry.
I believe this is a big step forward in the Biodiesel market. Think of the impact of readily available, semi-affordable, somewhat-mobile Biodiesel manufacturing plants. Could this lead to widespread use? I like their comparison of this process to the making manufactured homes, and look at what that did to that industry.
Over 130 Pennsylvania Jobs Kept Or Created
Two Pennsylvania companies have combined to save or create 137 jobs thanks to a $1 million State investment.
The State of Pennsylvania's investment in the private sector appears to payoff for the future of Biodiesel.
The State of Pennsylvania's investment in the private sector appears to payoff for the future of Biodiesel.
Pacific Biodiesel Plans Plant In California
Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel has plans for a new plant to be built in California. This will be the company's tenth plant altogether.
When a company reaches this kind of investment (10 Biodiesel plants) it can be assumed that there are a great many well educated men and women that believe Biodiesel, and other forms of alternative fuel, and not only a possible alternative, but a financially viable option as well. These smaller companies don't match up to the big oil companies but with attention put on them and with consumers getting behind Biodiesel then maybe the big oil companies will see the possibility of profits in the biofuels market and head that way themselves. A long shot for sure.
When a company reaches this kind of investment (10 Biodiesel plants) it can be assumed that there are a great many well educated men and women that believe Biodiesel, and other forms of alternative fuel, and not only a possible alternative, but a financially viable option as well. These smaller companies don't match up to the big oil companies but with attention put on them and with consumers getting behind Biodiesel then maybe the big oil companies will see the possibility of profits in the biofuels market and head that way themselves. A long shot for sure.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Tons Of Fuel Saving Information
I'd like to take this time to recommend a tremendous source of information on the subject of fuel economy. 62 ideas on how you can save money on your fuel consumption. A true treasure trove of information. Click Here!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Wisconsin Students Help Build Biodiesel Reactor
Students from Madison Area Technical College partnered with The University of Wisconsin-Madison to construct a Biodiesel reactor.
Worldwide Interest Shown In Keokuk's Biodiesel Operations
Turnkey solutions for the Biodiesel manufacturing and marketing areas attracts worldwide interest.
Singapore Fights Rising Fuel Costs With Biodiesel
Singapore's interest in biofuel signals more interest in all of Asia.
Japan To Set First Ever Nationwide Biodiesel Standards
In an effort to kick start demand for biofuels, Japan is soon to set nationwide standards. It will not, however, require manufacturers to produce biodiesel or any other biofuel.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
Australia Turns To Sheep Power Again
Australian farmers look to animal fat as a source of Biodiesel.
Free Placement Of Your Biodiesel Link!
Don't forget, if you have a website regarding Biodiesel you can add it to our Free Biodiesel Link Directory! Just click where it says "add site"
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Kettle Foods: Environmentally Friendly
From solar power at their facilities to a fleet of vehicles run on Biodiesel, Kettle Foods is ahead of it's time.
Funding Appears Set For 35 Million Gallon Biodiesel Production Facility In Texas
TexCom, Inc has reached an agreement with U.S. Renewables, LLC on what appears to be the funding for the go-ahead of construction of a large Biodiesel manufacturing facility.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
Ford Is Building A New Hybrid Center In Sweden
Ford Motor Company is building a Hybrid automobile center in Sweden.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Biodiesel comes to Wenatchee, WA
Biodiesel is now available at North Central Petroleum in Wenatchee, Washington.
3 East Chehalis Street
Wenatchee, Washington
509-662-6400
Add your Biodiesel or Alternative Fuel site to our free directory here
3 East Chehalis Street
Wenatchee, Washington
509-662-6400
Add your Biodiesel or Alternative Fuel site to our free directory here
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Fuel Station Of The Future
Are you near I-15 in the San Diego area? There is a fuel station there that looks to be the first of it's kind when it comes to Alternative Fuels. Check out the fuel station of the future.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Additional Biodiesel vs. Petroleum Diesel Fact:
While Biodiesel only releases the carbon-dioxide that it's raw materials had taken in while they were growing, the same cannot be said for pretroleum based diesel. For every one ton of petroleum based diesel that is burnt, three tons of carbon-dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
More Biodiesel Facts
100% Biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and about as biodegradable as sugar. Biodiesel biodegrades approximately 3-4 times faster than petroleum based diesel fuel.
Biodiesel also has these emission characteristics:
Biodiesel also has these emission characteristics:
- 100% reduction of net carbon dioxide
100% reduction of sulphur dioxide - 40-60% reduction of soot emissions
- 10-50% reduction of carbon monoxide
- a reduction of all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and specifically the reduction of the following carcinogenic PAHs:
- phenanthren by 97%
- benxofloroanthen by 56%
- benz-a-pyrene by 71%
- aldehydes and aromatic compounds by 13%
- 5-10% reduction of nitrous oxide depending on age and tuning of vehicle.
Dubuque, Iowa gets new Biodiesel distribution center
A new Biodiesel distribution center has opened in Dubuque, Iowa. The goal being to make it easier for distributors to have access to this and other alternative fuels.
Line Up Your Source For Free Biodiesel Materials
If you are interested in running your car on pure Biofuel or are looking at setting up your own Biodiesel processor, you will be in need of raw materials. The main raw material for Biodiesel is vegetable oil. It would be possible to purchase the necessary new vegetable oil you would need, but that would also make Biodiesel less economical in the long or short run.
Most users and producers of their own Biodiesel try and setup relationships with restaurants, delis, or convenient stores to get their used cooking oil. Used cooking oil cannot be used for fuel until it has been cleaned. This means filtering and separating the impurities from the oil as part of the processing process. This is a win-win situation for the business getting rid of the oil as well as the person receiving it. Most states regulations state that a business must dispose of cooking oil in a separate waste unit. They also have to pay for this to be emptied or taken away. You can alleviate a business's expense by taking it for free and at the same time drastically reduce your cost for raw materials for the making of your Biofuel.
When is the time to setup this relationship with a local business? The time is now. If Biofuel does take off as a well used and accepted form of fuel, soon it would not be out of the question for these opportunities for free raw materials to be gone. With increased use of Biofuel comes more competition for the used cooking oil. Other users could beat you to the source, a larger processing company could contract to take the oil away, or the business (seeing the added demand) could start charging for the used cooking oil. The lesson today is strike while the iron is hot.
Most users and producers of their own Biodiesel try and setup relationships with restaurants, delis, or convenient stores to get their used cooking oil. Used cooking oil cannot be used for fuel until it has been cleaned. This means filtering and separating the impurities from the oil as part of the processing process. This is a win-win situation for the business getting rid of the oil as well as the person receiving it. Most states regulations state that a business must dispose of cooking oil in a separate waste unit. They also have to pay for this to be emptied or taken away. You can alleviate a business's expense by taking it for free and at the same time drastically reduce your cost for raw materials for the making of your Biofuel.
When is the time to setup this relationship with a local business? The time is now. If Biofuel does take off as a well used and accepted form of fuel, soon it would not be out of the question for these opportunities for free raw materials to be gone. With increased use of Biofuel comes more competition for the used cooking oil. Other users could beat you to the source, a larger processing company could contract to take the oil away, or the business (seeing the added demand) could start charging for the used cooking oil. The lesson today is strike while the iron is hot.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Biodiesel Myth Of The Moment
THE MYTH: Biodiesel costs way too much.
THE FACT: A Biodiesel blend of 2% may cause the price of diesel fuel to rise two to four cents per gallon, but one of the added benefits of biodiesel is that it improves the lubricity of diesel, thus increasing both engine life and mileage.
THE FACT: A Biodiesel blend of 2% may cause the price of diesel fuel to rise two to four cents per gallon, but one of the added benefits of biodiesel is that it improves the lubricity of diesel, thus increasing both engine life and mileage.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Biodiesel Processing Plant Planned For South Dakota
More movement in the Biodiesel industry. The big oil companies won't build more oil refineries which would help at least the cost of fuel, but as long as companies with foresight come along we'll be okay.
A look at a personally designed Biodiesel processor
Here's a great pictorial layout of someone's homemade Biodiesel processor.
The Facts On Volkswagen Warranties - How They Relate To Biodiesel Usage
There's been much confusion on what the usage of Biodiesel does to your factory warranty. Well, the story from Volkswagen of America is that if you're using B5 Biodiesel, then you're covered. Volkswagen continues to show that they are one of the few car companies embracing alternative fuel now - not talking about the possibility of using it 20 years from now.
One man's home fueling station.
A great look at one man's home Biodiesel fueling station. Complete with extra drums of fuel and a pump powered by plugging it into the cigarette lighter of his car. 5 picture filled pages to this story.
Good news on pricing - From Oregon.
It's long been known that manufacturing your own Biodiesel is extremely affordable. But if you depend on others to manufacture and process it then, obviously, the price goes up. In one city, at least, we get good news in that Biodiesel is being sold from a distributor to the public at a cheaper price than old fashioned diesel. Good news, indeed.
Big Boys Moving In
The fact that large oil companies seem content with the current state of fuel woes is sometime one of the most frustrating things in the alternative fuels world. There is word now that Chevron itself has invested in a company building a large Biodiesel facility. What does this mean to the marketplace? Will it have any impact at all as far as bringing more old school oil companies to the Biofuel table? Full story on this courtesy of the San Francisco Business Times.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Biodiesel demand is heating up.
One co-op in Eastern Tennessee shows the demand for Biodiesel is starting to pickup, and not just for the eco-crowd either.
Cummins Approves Biodiesel Usage
Cummins Inc. (CMI) reffirmed its support of biodiesel fuel by approving the use of B5 biodiesel in its full line of on- and off-highway engines.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
News - Biodiesel Rental Cars
It appears that an incoming trend in the travel industry is rental cars that run on biodiesel. Springing up right now mainly in California and Hawaii, this could be the next growth area of the Biodiesel market. The potential renters come from two tracks of thinking. Number one, you're in the need of a rental car and want the economic, social, or environmental benefits that come with renting a Biodiesel friendly car. Number two, you're in the market for a new car and want to seriously give Biodiesel a try before purchasing, renting makes that possible.
See Business Week story.
See Business Week story.
Biodiesel & Alternative Fuels Link Directory
Do you have a Biodiesel or Alternative Fuels website you would like to promote. List it, free of charge, in our Biodiesel Link Directory today! Welcome to "Biodiesel & Alternative Fuels", the companion blog to BiodieselPlans.com.
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