Duke Energy is testing a blend of biodiesel in one of its power generators.
This story from the Charlotte Observer says it’s a first-of-its-kind test of biodiesel to fuel power plants:
Duke’s Mill Creek combustion-turbine plant normally runs on natural gas and diesel fuel. But this week, one of its eight units sampled blends of diesel and biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oil.
Because it comes from plants, biodiesel could help Duke produce some of its power from renewable fuels. N.C. legislators are considering a bill to require that part of the state’s electricity come from such domestically produced sources.
Duke says its tests at Mill Creek, on a unit that can produce 80 megawatts of power, were the largest U.S. trial of biodiesel on a plant of that type and size. The unit could supply about 80,000 homes if it ran constantly, but is typically used only at times of peak demand.
Three different blends of biodiesel, 20 percent, 50 percent, and 100 percent, have been tested. Officials say early results are good, and they have a better handle on how good in a few months.
220.7 MPH is the new world record for a street car in the standing mile, achieved by 
The 1200 horsepower E85 Viper rocketed from a standstill to 220.7 MPH in one mile, taking 27.43 seconds at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport in Oscoda, Mich. The previous standing mile record was 210.2 MPH held by a gasoline powered street car. The event was attended by members of the press and Michigan State Representative Joel Sheltrown.
In an effort to address low gasoline and diesel supplies caused by recent refinery outages, Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a proclamation to temporarily lift regulatory provisions that limit the number of hours gasoline and diesel truck drivers can be on the road, 
Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed three Executive Orders Friday initiating Florida’s energy policy. The signing ceremony concluded the Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change held in Miami this week. 
One of the largest building suppliers on the Northeast, Marjam, is converting 28 of its moving trucks to biodiesel fuel from regular diesel. If the pilot program proves successful, the company plans to convert its entire fleet of 500 trucks to the cleaner fuel, a spokesman said.
The 2nd Annual National Summit on Energy Security is taking place today at the National Press Club in Washington DC, presented by 
The day will wrap up with a reception for and presentation by Arctic explorer Will Steger. Mr. Steger has recently finished a four month journey across the Canadian Arctic’s Baffin Island to experience and document how the Inuit culture is coping with global warming. He will present photos and information about this trip, as well as three upcoming trips, at a special VIP reception.