A biodiesel plant in Seneca, Illinois has hit the one-million-gallon mark in just the first 25 days of operation. In a press release, Nova Biosource Fuels says this is just the start of the projected 60 million gallons annual production from the refinery of animal fats and vegetable oils into the green fuel: “We are pleased with the progress at …
A Little Green to Change Rush’s Mind
Now don’t get me wrong. I like Rush Limbaugh. I really do. He’s given a voice to the conservative cause for many years… even when things looked pretty bleak for his side. And he does GOOD radio. He knows how to communicate to his audience, and my hat is off to him for his radio skills. But when it comes …
Energy Company’s Trucks Running on Biodiesel
Detroit, Michigan-based DTE Energy has announced that it is converting its fleet of 800 service trucks and vehicles to biodiesel. A company press release says the energy company that serves 3.5 million customers will be able to serve them just a little bit greener: “Converting to biodiesel is a win-win for DTE Energy and the environment,” said Bill Pettit, director …
Biodiesel Circumnavigation Attempt Ahead of Schedule
The biodiesel-powered speed boat, the Earthrace, was two days ahead of schedule to set a record for circumnavigating the globe as it has just finished its leg across the Atlantic Ocean… docking in San Juan, Puerto Rico after traveling 3,300 nautical miles from Sagunto, Spain. This story from Powerboat-World.com says the first part of the journey was pretty exciting: This …
Biodiesel: Fueling the Developing World
Opponents of biofuels like to bang the drum of doom and gloom saying how green products, such as biodiesel, are causing world food shortages… especially in developing countries. But this article from Medill Reports – Chicago says that one man is helping poorer countries, such as Haiti, develop alternative energy solutions without tapping into those nations’ precious food supplies: Now, …
Algae-based Biodiesel Makers Getting Closer to Marketable
For a while, we’ve been telling you about one of the hottest trends in the biodiesel business: turning algae into biodiesel. This entry from C|Net.com’s Green Tech Blog says that at least three companies are close to making the green pond scum into green fuel with even more close on their heels. Florida-based PetroAlgae wants to test a commercial algae-biodiesel …
Biodiesel Helping Food and Feed Prices
So often lately, we’ve heard from biofuels naysayers who make all kinds of outrageous charges about how biodiesel and ethanol are pushing prices for human and livestock food through the roof. Too many times those complaints are coming from folks in the agriculture community, especially cattle and hog producers. But some are starting to recognize that biodiesel could actually help …
Florida Requires Ethanol Use
Despite all the outcry about ethanol in the media, Florida is bucking the trend and establishing a renewable fuel standard, requiring ethanol to make up 10 percent of Florida’s total fuel supply by 2010. Florida’s comprehensive “Green Energy” bill passed by the 2008 Florida Legislature last week includes a variety of other initiatives, prompted by Governor Charlie Crist, who praised …
Renewable Energy Bill Passes Florida Legislature
A comprehensive energy bill has passed the Florida legislature, and now goes to the governor for an expected signature. This story from the Orlando (FL) Sun-Sentinel says the measure has provisions specifically addressing renewable energy in the state: The bill, which addresses Gov. Charlie Crist’s call for policies that combat global warming, is made up of 112 sections that could …
Biofuels Digest Diverts Blame to China
China, not biofuels, are to blame for rising food costs. At least, that’s what The Biofuels Digest suggests. The online publication says their study finds that for every bushel of grain used to make U.S. ethanol, six are used to support Chinese meat demand. A change in Chinese meat consumption habits since 1995 is diverting eight billion bushels of grain …