A Q&A with JatroDiesel

Joanna Schroeder

JatroDiesel’s technology has been selected by Patriot Renewable Fuels for its 4-5 million biodiesel facility under construction next to its ethanol plant in Annawan, Illinois. The biodiesel plant, when it goes into operation in September 2014 will use the corn oil produced during the ethanol process for its primary feedstock. To learn more about the multi-feedstock biodiesel technology, I spoke …

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Patriot Renewable Fuels

Toyota Racing Biodiesel SUV in Dakar Rally

John Davis

Toyota will race a biodiesel-powered SUV in the 2014 Dakar Rally. This story in the Japan Times says Toyota Auto Body Co. team will run a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 in the roughly 5,500-km off-road race through Argentina, Bolivia and Chile next month. The Land Cruiser will run on biodiesel made from used cooking oil, emitting 60 percent less carbon …

Biodiesel, International

Florida Company Starts Trials on Jatropha Biodiesel

John Davis

Florida-based Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. has started trial production runs of its Jatropha-based biodiesel. This company news release says it will be run in three phases, using feedstock from its Costa Rican plantation for the first phase. “As with every endeavor we undertake, we are testing our assumptions and capabilities before we engage in larger scale activity. This is a …

Biodiesel

Miraculous Keynote Announced for Biodiesel Conf.

John Davis

Backs against the wall, facing what seems like impossible odds … there’s a lot of parallels between what the biodiesel industry is facing these days with possible cuts to its share of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and what the 1980 U.S. hockey team faced more than two decades ago, as the team got ready to face the mighty Soviet …

Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, NBB

IRFA to Host Renewable Fuels Forum

Joanna Schroeder

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is hosting a renewable fuels forum for Iowa’s leading Republicans seeking the GOP nomination to run for U.S. Senate in 2014. The seat is currently held by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin who is set to retire after his current term ends. The forum will be held at the Western Iowa Tech Community College Cherokee …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Iowa RFA, RFS

Biodiesel, Solar Powered RV Ready to Hit the Road

John Davis

While the weather outside might be frightful, it won’t be too much longer until thoughts will be turning to getting out in the great outdoors, and a company called Roadtrek has a way you can do it using biodiesel and solar power. This article from the Gas2 blog says Roadtrek has unveiled the new E-trek, a B+ class motorhome that …

Biodiesel, Solar

Multi-Feedstock Biodiesel Plant in France Ready

John Davis

An Austrian company is bringing a multi-feedstock biodiesel plant in France into operation. BDI – BioEnergy International AG announced the $22.5 million project uses animal fats and used cooking oil as its feedstock. The commission covered the entire BioDiesel process, including installation of the plant. The project was completed on schedule and as budgeted within eleven months, when it was …

Biodiesel, International

Biodiesel Tested as Parking Heater Fuel

John Davis

If you’re a biodiesel supporter caught in winter’s icy grip (oh, let’s say some Arctic destination such as Chicago), there’s some good news. Biodiesel Magazine reports the German biodiesel quality association, AGQM, and a maker of parking heater systems (devices that warm your vehicle’s engine before you try to start it) have tested biodiesel in the heaters for long-term oxidation …

Biodiesel

Biodiesel Co. to Make Small, Medium Processors

John Davis

A Canadian biodiesel maker that also makes an array of products and services for biodiesel fuel producers is buying the assets of another company so it can make small and medium sized refineries. Methes Energies International Ltd. announced it intends to buy the assets of OTC Energy Technologies Inc., which includes OTC’s technologies and knowhow in the conversion of several …

Biodiesel

Whole Energy Opens Biodiesel By-Product Refinery

John Davis

A Washington state-based biodiesel distributor opens a new glycerin refinery. This article from Biodiesel Magazine says Whole Energy of Bellingham, Wash. opened its new facility in Mount Vernon, Wash. Since 2006, Whole Energy has been exploring the potential pathways for upgrading and using glycerin in various commercial applications. In 2010, Whole Energy applied for state funding, which was awarded by …

Biodiesel