Planned algae farm complex will produce algae biomass for conversion to biodiesel, ethanol and other commercial products in China

PetroSun, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PSUD) announced today that the Company has executed an agreement with Shanghai Jun Ya Yan Technology Development Co., Ltd. to establish a commercial scale algae farm system pilot facility within the People's Republic of China. The planned algae farm complex will produce algae biomass for conversion to biodiesel, ethanol and other commercial products.

The terms of the agreement include a forty million dollar ($40,000,000US) sole funding commitment from Shanghai Jun Ya Yan Technology Development for the construction and equipping of the initial algae farm system. The profits from the venture will be allocated on a 50/50 basis between the parties. PetroSun China has been granted the license from PetroSun, Inc. for the algae-to-biofuel technology and will manage the operations in China.

About PetroSun

PetroSun, Inc. is a diversified energy company with technology and operations in the commercialization of algae-to-biofuels, microbial enhanced oil recovery, oil and gas exploration and development and oilfield pipe and supply.

For more information about PetroSun visit the company's website at www.petrosuninc.com.

Except historical matter contained herein, matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties, which may affect the Company's business and prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: PetroSun, Inc.

Kenyans turn to biodiesel

by Mwangi Mumero

The fuel produced can be used to run all diesel engines without detrimental effects to theperformance of the vehicle or its various components

“Initially, many vehicle owners were apprehensive about the biodiesel and worried that it might have negative effects on the engine. But word of mouth from matatu drivers using the fuel did the trick”, said Benard Muchiri, the director of a centre which produces croton diesel.

Reluctance soon gave way to confidence after a number of drivers reported filling their tanks repeatedly without encountering noticeable problems.

The biodiesel is being produced in a pilot-project by the Help Self-Help Centre, a community development organisation in the area under the Kenya Eco-energy programme.

The one month old project aims at becoming the catalyst and source of relevant data on the production and use of biodiesel as an alternative to fossil fuels in the Mt Kenya region.

Biodiesel Byproduct Converted Into Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The typical American diet often lacks omega-3 fatty acids despite clinical research that shows their potential human health benefits. Zhiyou Wen, assistant professor of biological systems engineering in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, found a way to grow these compounds using a byproduct of the emerging biodiesel industry.

He presented his findings at the 236th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Philadelphia, Pa., on August 21.

"High energy prices have led to an increase in biodiesel production, which in turn has led to an increase in the amount of crude glycerol in the market," said Wen, who explained that biodiesel plants leave behind approximately 10 percent crude glycerol during the production process.

This has led the price of glycerol, a chemical compound widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, to drop in recent years. The rise in biodiesel production over the last decade means that the market can no longer absorb all the extra glycerol. Biodiesel producers must find alternative means for disposing of crude glycerol, which is prohibitively expensive to purify for industry use. Wen and his colleagues have developed a novel fermentation process using microalgae to produce omega-3 fatty acids from crude glycerol

"We have shown that it is possible to use the crude glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel industry as a carbon source for microalgae that produce omega-3 fatty acids," said Wen, who added that the impurities in crude glycerol may actually be beneficial to algal growth. "After thorough chemical analysis, we have also shown that the algae biomass composition has the same quality as the commercial algae product."

After growing the algae in the crude glycerol, researchers can use it as an animal feed. This mimics a process in nature in which fish, the most common source of omega-3 fatty acid for humans, eat the algae and then retain the healthful compounds in their bodies. Humans who consume the fish in turn consume the omega 3s. Fish-derived products such as fish oil are an inexpensive alternative, but the taste has deterred widespread use.

Wen has partnered with Steven Craig, senior research scientist at Virginia Cobia Farms, to use crude glycerol-derived algae as a fish feed. "The results so far have been promising," Wen said. "The fish fed the algae had significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids."

He and Audrey McElroy, associate professor of animal and poultry sciences, are now trying to determine whether the algae would work as a chicken feed. Kumar Mallikarjunan, associate professor of biological systems engineering, is also working with Wen to determine the fate of omega 3s after they enter the food supply. Researchers do not yet know whether oxidation would have a major impact on omega-3 fatty acids stored in cheese, for example.

Funding for this research has come from the Virginia Agricultural Council, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, Fats and Proteins Research Foundation, Virginia Sea Grant, and Virginia Commercial Fisheries and Shellfish Technologies.

Wen presented his paper, "Production of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid from biodiesel-waste glycerol by microalgal fermentation (AGFD 272)," as a part of a session sponsored by the ACS Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
=====================
Adapted from materials provided by Virginia Tech, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Biodiesel and diesel test showed comparable fuel efficiency

This is based on www.etrucker.com.

• The study, which began in the fall of 2006, consists of two groups of 10 Decker semi-tractors running with flatbed trailers on matched routes to either Minneapolis or Chicago. The control group uses 100 percent No. 2 petroleum diesel, and the B20 test group uses a blend of 20 percent biodiesel from Renewable Energy Group and 80 percent No. 2 petroleum diesel. The partners say data have been analyzed routinely for fuel efficiency, maintenance records and fuel quality, as well as for monitoring cold weather performance.
• The partners say these findings mimic fuel efficiency test results released this week by the National Renewable Energy Lab and the National Biodiesel Board, showing comparable mileage between B20 and ultra-low-sulfur diesel. “Fleet owners, fuel managers and owner-operators can be confident about biodiesel utilization in their over-the-road operation because of the results of the Two Million Mile Haul demonstration,” said Tom Verry, National Biodiesel Board director of outreach and development.
• There also may be additional benefits for a trucking company using biodiesel. “We are receiving positive feedback from customers who see the 'green' benefits of using a trucking company that runs on biodiesel,” said Steve Lursen, special projects manager for Decker Truck Lines Inc. “By using a renewable fuel, Decker is actually picking up additional business.”

For the full report, visit their website.

PHILIPPINES' PETRON LIFTS FIRST ETHANOL PRODUCTS

MANILA, Aug 07, 2008 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) -- Market leader Petron Corporation announced on Wednesday that it finally purchased 23,000 liters of ethanol from Leyte Agri Corp., the first locally-produced fuel grade ethanol, to be used in its E10 Premium gasoline. "We strongly support the local production of ethanol as a gasoline additive since it will drive capital investments in rural areas, create more jobs and more importantly, it will lessen the country's dependence on imported fuel," Petron Chairman Nicasio I. Alcantara said.

Last month, Petron launched its E10 Premium product in selected service stations in Metro Manila as part of its efforts to make available cheaper and more environment- friendly fuels for motorists.

The company's E10 Premium is priced P2.00 per liter cheaper than its 93 octane gasoline.

The use of ethanol in gasoline will also have a positive impact on the environment since it is biodegradable and reduces harmful exhaust emissions added Alcantara.

Leyte Agri Corp., owns the first manufacturing plant in the country able to produce fuel grade ethanol.

Petron E10 Premium is a new specially formulated unleaded gasoline that meets and even exceeds the requirements of the Philippine Biofuels Law. It contains 10 percent fuel grade Ethanol and 90 percent Petron Premium Unleaded Gasoline with enhanced fuel additive.

According to Alcantara this unique additive allows the removal of existing deposits, which results in improved power and fuel economy. The companys introduction of ethanol is ahead of the implementation of the Biofuels Law of 2006.

"The early introduction of our E10 Premium product, ahead of the government mandate, underscores our desire to bring the benefits of ethanol-blended gasoline to our customers and stakeholders as soon as possible," Alcantara added.

Apart from Leyte Agri Corp., Petron also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with San Carlos Bioenergy, Inc. (SCBI) in the middle of 2006 to off-take SCBIs entire ethanol production.

SCBI is constructing an integrated sugar mill, cogeneration plant and distillery complex for ethanol production in Negros Occidental. The facility will produce 125,000 liters of ethanol daily. The plant is expected to be operational by the end of this year.

Ethanol is a high-octane, water-free alcohol produced from sugar cane and other crops such as corn, cassava, sweet sorghum. It is used as a blending component at 5 percent-10 percent concentration in gasoline. Unlike fossil fuels, ethanol is virtually inexhaustible since agricultural products can be grown and harvested continually under a sustainable system.

Petron E10 Premium may be used in majority of fuel-injected vehicles without the need for expensive engine modification. The company said that its service station personnel can provide assistance to first- time users who may want more information on the product.

Republic Act 9367 or the Biofuels law mandates a 5 percent bioethanol blend into gasoline by 2009 and 10 percent blend in 2011.

For 2009, the country's demand for bioethanol is seen to reach to 300 million liters per day and 600 million liters per day in 2011.

Because of this projected demand in bioethanol, the country needs 15 to 20 plants. So far, there are only two plants under construction in the country, the San Carlos and the First Bukidnon which are expected to fully commercially operational next year and by 2009 respectively.

(PNA)

Alternative Biofuel

Biofuel from Sunflower: A bright opportunity for the sun-loving bloom

by Rita T. dela Cruz


In a bid to decrease the country's over dependence on fuel, various research institutions started to focus their leads in studying and identifying some of the most cost-effective and environment-friendly energy source to produce biofuels. Biofuels, such as bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas, are renewable fuels that are generally produced from agricultural crops or organic matter.

This effort to find alternative bio-source is also in accordance with the recent passing into law of the Biofuel Acts or SB 2226 and the Department of Agriculture (DA)'s drive towards energy independence. The law requires that “a minimum of 1% biodiesel by volume shall be blended into all diesel engine fuels sold in the country subject to domestic supply and availability of locally sourced biodiesel component.” Violators are penalized with one to five years imprisonment and a fine ranging from Php1 million to Php5 million.

Among the crops identified as potential sources of bioethanol are: sugarcane, sweet sorghum, coconut, corn, cassava, and jathropa. And now, sunflower is also coming into the picture as another potential bio-source for ethanol.

The potential of sunflower (along with rapeseed) is also being studied in Taipei in their effort to look for more domestic feedstocks coupled with best available and affordable technology.

Even the Brazilian agricultural experts are now optimizing the potential of sunflower by learning how to transform sunflowers into biofuel in the most cost-effective means. Other renewable energy sources that they are looking into are soybean and oilseed rape.

Meanwhile, an Italian farming association is working on biofuels produced from sunflowers and sugar beets. Its sunflower oil-powered boat premiered at the recent Kyoto Protocol conference in Montreal. It sounded a bit off-beat, but the boat ran fine. According to experts, if this project pushes through in the market, this biofuel is going to be relatively inexpensive. It was also reported that everything smelled faintly like French fries after the demonstration.

According to Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen, vice president for administration, planning and external linkages of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and overall coordinator of the DA-BAR Sweet Sorghum Project, anything (crops) with cellulose can be produced into bioethanol, the main difference lies on how ease is the conversion into ethanol and how cost effective is the production. Currently, with the technologies in tact and the varieties of seeds available, DA is endorsing the use of sugarcane and sweet sorghum as feedstocks. But as research on bioethanol continues to proliferate, more potential crops are coming into the scene.

Sunflowers in the Philippines
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant that belongs to the family of Asteraceae and is native in North and South America. Although it is not commonly grown in the Philippines, it can thrive in its soil. The giant sunflowers (grows up to 12 feet with head up to 3 inches wide) are native in the eastern United States. The common and recommended variety of sunflower in the Philippines is the hybrid type, which grows up to 105 days after planting.

There's a reason why they are called the sun-loving flowers. Sunflower is a classic example of heliotropism, or the involuntary response of plant to the sun. It turns its head directly to face the sun and reorients overnight to wait for the rising of the sunrise. So, early dawn, looking at them in a vast area of a sunflower field, they look all drooped and weak.

Sunflowers in the Philippines are grown for ornamental purposes and for its edible oil. Specifically, at Central Luzon State University (CLSU), they have been growing sunflower since early 70s, mainly for its edible oil. Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds, is used for cooking. Its oil is less expensive (and heathier) than olive oil. Its fatty acid content is composed of high oleic type that contains higher level of healthy monosaturated fats.

At the moment, CLSU is reviving its sunflower production not for the edible oil but for biofuel. The sunflower seeds contain 36-42% oil and 38% protein meal.

Growing sunflowers
According to the group of researchers from CLSU, the best time for planting sunflower is from October to January for the first crop and February to May for the second crop.

To grow sunflower well, the area for planting should have good irrigation facilities. A moderate to well-drained soil is the basic soil requirement. The group added that, soil used in growing corn, rice, and vegetable is also suitable for sunflower production.

It is important to prepare the land before planting sunflowers. The recommended system of planting is single row with 75 cm space between rows and 25 cm between mounds. Seeding rate is 18-20 kg/ha given that there are 2-3 seeds with 3-4 cm depth for each mound. It is important to thin and off-bar, 14 days after the emergence of plants and to hill-up after 30 days.

Although chemical control is recommended, proper use must always take into consideration. Wilted plants must be burned immediately to avoid further complications. Bees are also important in increasing seed setting up to 20% since they act as pollinators.

-------
Sources:
Agustin, M.B., Q.D. dela Cruz, and T.M. Aganon. 2007. “Technoguide for Sunflower Production for Biofuel” Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.
“APEC Symposium on Foresighting Future Fuel Technology: Future Strategies for Biofuel Roadmap”
“Brazilian Agricultural Experts Learn to Transform Sunflowers into Biofuel”
“Biofuel Boating News” posted December 2005.
www.bar.gov.ph

Pricey Chemicals Gleaned From Biodiesel Waste

In a move that promises to change the economics of biodiesel refining, chemical engineers at Rice University have unveiled a set of techniques for cleanly converting problematic biofuels waste into chemicals that fetch a profit.

The latest research is available online in the journal Metabolic Engineering. The new paper and others published earlier this year describe a new fermentation process that allows E. coli and other enteric bacteria to convert glycerin -- the major waste byproduct of biodiesel production -- into formate, succinate and other valuable organic acids.

"Biodiesel producers used to sell their leftover glycerin, but the rapid increase in biodiesel production has left them paying to get rid of it," said lead researcher Ramon Gonzalez, Rice's William W. Akers Assistant Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. "The new metabolic pathways we have uncovered paved the way for the development of new technologies for converting this waste product into high-value chemicals."

About one pound of glycerin, also known as glycerol, is created for every 10 pounds of biodiesel produced. According to the National Biodiesel Board, U.S. companies produced about 450 million gallons of biodiesel in 2007, and about 60 new plants with a production capacity of 1.2 billion gallons are slated to open by 2010.

Gonzalez's team last year announced a new method of glycerol fermentation that used E. coli to produce ethanol, another biofuel. Even though the process was very efficient, with operational costs estimated to be about 40 percent less that those of producing ethanol from corn, Gonzalez said new fermentation technologies that produce high-value chemicals like succinate and formate hold even more promise for biodiesel refiners because those chemicals are more profitable than ethanol.

"With fundamental research, we have identified the pathways and mechanisms that mediate glycerol fermentation in E. coli," Gonzalez said. "This knowledge base is enabling our efforts to develop new technologies for converting glycerol into high-value chemicals."

Gonzalez said scientists previously believed that the only organisms that could ferment glycerol were those capable of producing a chemical called 1,3-propanediol, also known as 1,3-PDO. Unfortunately, neither the bacterium E. coli nor the yeast Saccharomyces -- the two workhorse organisms of biotechnology -- were able to produce 1,3-PDO.

Gonzalez's research revealed a previously unknown metabolic pathway for glycerol fermentation, a pathway that uses 1,2-PDO, a chemical similar to 1,3-PDO, that E. coli can produce.

"The reason this probably hadn't been discovered before is that E. coli requires a particular set of fermentation conditions for this pathway to be activated," Gonzalez said. "It wasn't easy to zero in on these conditions, so it wasn't the sort of process that someone would stumble upon by accident."

Once the new metabolic pathways were identified, Gonzalez's team began using metabolic engineering to design new versions of E. coli that could produce a range of high-value products. For example, while run-of-the-mill E. coli ferments glycerol to produce very little succinate, Gonzalez's team has created a new version of the bacterium that produces up to 100 times more. Succinate is a high-demand chemical feedstock that's used to make everything from noncorrosive airport deicers and nontoxic solvents to plastics, drugs and food additives. Most succinate today comes from nonrenewable fossil fuels.

Gonzalez said he's had similar success with organisms designed to produce other high-value chemicals, including formate and lactate.

"Our goal goes beyond using this for a single process," he said. "We want to use the technology as a platform for the 'green' production of a whole range of high-value products."

Technologies based on Gonzalez's work have been licensed to Glycos Biotechnologies Inc., a Houston-based startup company that plans to open its first demonstration facility within the next 12 months.

The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, Rice University and Glycos Biotechnologies.

Biofuels: Muddled issues

By Corazon PB. Claudio

MANILA, Philippines--Despite the raging debate on the pros and cons of biofuels, some countries are fast increasing their biofuel production.

The European Union, the largest market for biofuels, aims to make biofuels account for 5.75 percent of its transport fuels by 2010 and 10 percent by 2020. In the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Thailand is expected to be the region's leading producer of biofuels.

What should we do in the Philippines? Biofuels are part of the uncertain energy and food environment that demands serious decision making. It involves the views and preferences of many decision makers and stakeholders, from farmers to top policy makers.

Decisions taken now may have long-run implications on the use of lands and other resources.

For similar important cases beset with uncertainty, most big corporations in the world apply decision analysis. In applying it, we must first define the values and preferences of the decision maker (or the group of stakeholders), specify the decisions to be made and identify the alternatives.

The relevant values and preferences in this case could be a) increased income for farmers through agricultural development; b) sustainable and secure food, feeds and fuel sources; and c) greening of the environment by using cleaner fuel.

Issues
Reacting to the rice crisis, some legislators now call for suspension of the implementation of the Biofuels Act of 2006, which mandates the progressive production and use of biofuels. This is one decision point that is clouded by uncertainty.

The most important issues associated with biofuels are rural poverty, food security, energy security and the food vs. fuel issue.

Various groups in other parts of the world have been studying these issues. We can refer to the results of their studies, since we have not done our own in a significant way.

One ongoing study is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at Stanford University. The research team includes Prof. Walter Falcon, former chair of IRRI, who kindly shared with me an initial report on their research.

Their policy research on the food vs. fuel issue involves a quantitative assessment of the effect of biofuels expansion on food security in the developing world.

Rural poverty and food security
The Stanford study concluded that "it is likely that aggregate investments in agricultural development at the national or regional level will be more successful in reducing rural poverty than individual biofuels investments by specific companies or groups."

Hence, to achieve "increased income for farmers through agricultural development" and "food security," we need to invest more in agricultural development, including sustainable technologies and infrastructure for food production and marketing and smallholder farmers' access to land, capital, credit and technology.

The investments must also ensure availability of water, which is essential to food production, but is now the subject of another crisis.

Biofuels may not help much in achieving increased income of farmers. But suspending the Biofuels Law will not help raise incomes or secure food supply. Adequate investments in agricultural development will most likely do both.

Energy Security
Energy security is a major issue facing us. In applying decision analysis on energy supply, the availability and price of imported fuel are uncertain variables that we cannot control. We can only adopt measures to adjust to them.

We need to focus on what we can control. Producing our own fuel, such as biofuels, is one of them. How to do so is the challenge that requires work.

We need to attend also to energy demand, e.g., by applying energy conservation measures. Biofuels production that provides for active participation of local people could also lead to improved demand management.

Food versus Fuel
The issue seems to boil down to what crop to plant for biofuel and where, so that it will not compete with food needs.

We still have many underutilized lands so I will focus more on the crop. Emerging crop choices in the Philippines are coconut (which is already being used for biodiesel production), sugar cane (which will be the feedstock for a bioethanol plant that will soon operate in Negros), sweet sorghum (which the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics recommends as major feedstock for bioethanol), jatropha (which receives priority government attention), and malunggay (which can produce oil for both food and fuel). All, except jatropha, have food, feed and fuel uses. Algae and waste biomass, which are gaining more interest in other countries, can also be produced in the Philippines.

Some major considerations in choosing a feedstock are energy yield of a crop, production costs and returns, effects on farmers and employment and impact on the environment (on soil, water, biodiversity, land use, and climate).

Preliminary results of the Stanford study have concluded that the effects of biofuels on food prices can be traced through the responsiveness of supply and demand of the crops to prices (which depends on substitution possibilities in production and consumption for food, feed and fuel), the ability of countries to expand land area and raise yields for biofuel feedstock, market integration between the biofuels and fossil fuels markets and policy incentives.

Recommendations
The long-run effects, the study says, depend on changing incomes, tastes, biofuels research and development, and infrastructure investments.

The EU hopes to achieve its goals by cultivating more land, increasing land productivity and crop quality with modern plant breeding techniques and biotechnology, and focusing on the production of biofuels from cellulose and agricultural waste (the second generation fuels) instead of starch, sugar and oils (the first generation ones).

How do we hope to achieve ours?

First, we must strengthen our research and development capability so that we can analyze existing biofuel alternatives, create new ones and give well-thought out responses to issues raised. We must mobilize our best scientists and provide them with adequate laboratory and other facilities so they can help create new or improved fuel, as well as food and feed, sources and systems.

The ripple effects of biofuels on food security, as the initial Stanford report concludes, depend on the country and its policies. In our country, we must improve our policy making, conduct more rigorous decision analysis, and act faster. We must invest more in agricultural development now if we want to achieve food security.

It is not clear what difference suspension of the implementation of the Biofuels Act will make. But if the approved Biofuels Act is flawed to begin with, we should, perhaps, suspend law-making until such time that more thinking goes into it.

(The author is president of EARTH Institute Asia Inc. and director/host of dzRH's Kalikasan, Kaunlaran!, which will feature biofuels on May 21, 7:30- 8:30 p.m. A Balik-Scientist and TOWNS Awardee for Science and Technology Energy Program in the late '80s. Feedback at map@globelines.com.ph. For previous articles, please visit .)

AF&V Conference and Alternative Fuels Steer the Transition to the Future of Transportation

Las Vegas, NV, March 31, 2008 - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute hosts the14th annual Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 11-14. The fuel and technology neutral conference welcomes 2,000 public and commercial fleet decision-makers to the foremost learning marketplace in the world featuring the fuels, vehicles and technologies available today that provide an alternative to fossil fuels. Fifty sessions feature many of the leading decision-makers in alternative fuels and technologies, representing vehicle manufacturers, fuel suppliers,
government agencies and parts manufacturers. Session topics include legislation, funding, product availability, plug-in hybrids, ports, EPA engine standards, biofuels updates, electric drive advances, and tours of Las Vegas city, transit, water district and taxi operation facilities.


"We are at a crossroads in the history of transportation," said AFVi
Executive Director, Annalloyd Thomason. "Fossil fuel based mobility is giving way to new demands for greater fuel efficiency, cleaner vehicles, and alternatives to petroleum. Those hardest hit are the fleet managers trying to navigate this new terrain. This conference presents the available options that will steer us to our transportation future."

More than 200 speakers will be making presentations in the general and concurrent sessions, as well as in Expo Hall's "Technology Showcase." Among the companies represented by speakers are AutoblogGreen, California Fuel Cell Partnership, Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance, Edmunds.com, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Environmental Protection Agency, Google, Navy Exchange Arlington, Odyne, Pacific Gas & Electric, UPS, VeraSun Energy, and spokespeople from all participating auto manufacturers.

Conference sponsors and exhibitors represent the products and services that define the industry today. The leading sponsors include the American Clean Skies Foundation, Clean Energy, American Honda, Foton America Bus Company, General Motors and Toyota. Some of the 100 participating exhibitors include Austin Energy Plug-in Partners, Cummins Westport, Ethanol Promotion and Information Council, Ford, Freightliner, Global Electric Motorcars, National Biodiesel Board, Phoenix Motorcars, Propane Education and Research Council, and Sterling Trucks. Technology Showcase presentations and giveaways also take place in the Expo Hall. Attendees have an opportunity to test drive vehicles during the May 13 Ride-n-Drive.

Fleet Day, sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council, is Tuesday, May 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Any fleet representative with ten or more vehicles is eligible for complimentary admission, with a company business card. The general public is invited to participate at no charge on Wednesday, May 14, for Public Day. The hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Rio Convention Center Pavilion.

The Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference & Expo 2008 is at the Rio All-Suite Hotel, 3700 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. Pre-registration is open through May 2, 2008. Register today by going to http://www.afvi.org/NationalConference2008/.

About AFVi:

AFVi is an entrepreneurial organization that works through industry to bring people in need of proven transportation technologies together with those who can meet their needs. The AFVi is the education provider and information link between the alternative fuels and vehicles industry and public/private fleets. The primary business of the company is to advance the interests of OEMs, fuel providers and their associated business partners through education, outreach and deployment. AFVi is fuel and technology neutral.

50% CO2 reduction from home-grown biodiesel

Study confirms 50% CO2 reduction from use of home-grown biodiesel

High-quality biodiesel from oilseed rape, grown and produced in the South Island by Biodiesel New Zealand, is sustainable, emitting around 50% less carbon dioxide over its life cycle than mineral diesel. This exceeds the 35% criteria proposed by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
That’s the conclusion of an independent life cycle assessment carried out for the company of greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy for the production of biodiesel from oilseed rape, from the cultivation of the rapeseed, through to oil extraction and the refining and processing of the biodiesel.

Biodiesel New Zealand General Manager, Paul Quinn, says that the company shares concerns expressed yesterday by Dr Jan Wright, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee about the sustainability of biofuels and their true environmental and economic impacts.

“However, as we discussed with the Select Committee last month, biodiesel made from oilseed rape will contribute positively to greenhouse gas reduction targets and can be grown in such as way that it does not displace food production. In fact, oilseed rape has benefits for agriculture as a break crop for cereals, improving cereal yields in following years. The oil extraction process also creates a high-value stock feed which replaces imported material such palm oil husk,” Mr Quinn says.

“We completely understand the issues raised by the PCE and others about the sustainability of biodiesel, which is why we commissioned this independent life cycle analysis of biodiesel, based on New Zealand conditions, as we didn’t believe that studies carried out in other countries would necessarily be applicable here.

“The conclusion of our study is good news for the local industry and confirms that oilseed rape will make a sustainable contribution to our national response to climate change and that it is 55% more energy-efficient than mineral diesel. As a result biodiesel will enhance New Zealand’s energy security through onshore fuel production.

“Biodiesel New Zealand supports the development of a strong and sustainable New Zealand biofuels industry which generates a range of sustainable feedstocks. We can learn from the rest of the world, but we need to learn from the international experience of many years and refine those techniques to ensure that our industry is sustainable and will contribute to the reduction of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Quinn concludes.

Biodiesel New Zealand, a subsidiary of Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd, currently produces biodiesel from used cooking oil and will next year expand production to use oilseed rape as a feedstock. The company currently has 6,000 hectares of oilseed rape planted from which the company expects to produce more than 10 million litres of pure biodiesel after the 2009 harvest. Biodiesel New Zealand plans to produce 70 million litres a year of sustainable transport fuel, made from oilseed rape and used cooking oil, within the next three years. The company will open a new production facility at an industrial site in Christchurch next year.

Source: Solid Energy NZ