I've maintained for a while now that the best way to convince someone that nature is worth preserving is to get them out into it. It seems like the people at Roadtrek agree- and they're going a step further by offering a new B+ class motorhome that not only uses recycled materials in its construction, but is capable of operating entirely free of fossil fuels! Built on … [Read more...] about Roadtrek Adds Solar Power, Biodiesel to Its RV Lineup
Biodiesel
Low Tech, DIY Plasma Gasifier Makes Fuel From Waste
Some interesting tidbits are coming out of the American Chemical Society conference in San Francisco this week. First we heard about a product made from renewable materials that could substitute a large portion of the crude oil currently used to make tires. And now comes word from a scientist at the University of Orleans in France that he has constructed a compact, … [Read more...] about Low Tech, DIY Plasma Gasifier Makes Fuel From Waste
Seven Weeds That Could Power Your Car
[social_buttons] With the attention on first generation corn ethanol fading, the next big thing on the sustainable fuel horizon is nonfood biofuel crops. Within that category, inedible weeds are taking a front-row seat due to their relatively low demands on water, pesticides, and herbicides, and their reduced need for tilling and other mechanized soil prep. Some weeds … [Read more...] about Seven Weeds That Could Power Your Car
Carbon-Neutral Prince Charles Gets Driven Around on Old Cooking Fat
[social_buttons] It's hard being an environmental celebrity, especially when you are Royal too. People want to see you, but that can mean racking up a lot of carbon miles. So Prince Charles had his Aston Martin converted to run on bio-ethanol made from aged English wine, and his Audi, Jaguar, and Range Rover all run on what the English call old cooking fat. In the US … [Read more...] about Carbon-Neutral Prince Charles Gets Driven Around on Old Cooking Fat
Inside Cadillac One: the Obama-Mobile. Will The Big ‘O’ Run Biodiesel?
The UK's Daily Mail recently posted this great John Lawson-penned cutaway drawing of the upcoming Cadillac One, the heavily armored limousine that President Barack Obama will be cruising home in immediately after his inauguration. Explore Cadillac One inside and out (to varying degrees of precision) after the jump. … [Read more...] about Inside Cadillac One: the Obama-Mobile. Will The Big ‘O’ Run Biodiesel?
Home Mini-Refinery Makes Ethanol & Biodiesel Simultaneously
A Texas-based company has announced the "world's first mini-refinery" for consumer use that can produce both ethanol and biodiesel from the same small machine at the same time. It's capable of generating up to 120 gallons per day of ethanol and 450 gallons per day of biodiesel. Consisting of two pieces of equipment — an ethanol boiler and the mini-refinery — the whole system ca … [Read more...] about Home Mini-Refinery Makes Ethanol & Biodiesel Simultaneously
Scania’s Ethanol Diesel-Engine, Runs On Biodiesel Too
[social_buttons] Scania (part of Volkswagen) builds modified, heavy-duty diesel engines designed to run on almost pure ethanol (E95, or 95% ethanol, with a 5% ignition improver). If that sounds weird, that's because it is. US auto manufacturers make a big deal out of converting cars and trucks to run on ethanol/gasoline blends of up to 85% ethanol. Scania has done better than … [Read more...] about Scania’s Ethanol Diesel-Engine, Runs On Biodiesel Too
Biodiesel Mythbuster 2.0: Twenty-Two Biodiesel Myths Dispelled
Most of us are at least vaguely familiar with biodiesel, but how much do we really know? While biodiesel is easily the most popular alternative fuel available, it's commonly misunderstood or misrepresented by inaccurate information. Since the most frequent question I get is, "So what exactly is biodiesel, anyway?", I decided to write a tome covering all the basics—a one stop s … [Read more...] about Biodiesel Mythbuster 2.0: Twenty-Two Biodiesel Myths Dispelled
First Algae Biodiesel Plant Goes Online: April 1, 2008
PetroSun has announced it will begin operation of its commercial algae-to-biofuels facility on April 1st, 2008. The facility, located in Rio Hondo Texas, will produce an estimated 4.4 million gallons of algal oil and 110 million lbs. of biomass per year off a series of saltwater ponds spanning 1,100 acres. Twenty of those acres will be reserved for the experimental production … [Read more...] about First Algae Biodiesel Plant Goes Online: April 1, 2008
Top 15 Unexpected Uses For Biodiesel
While virtually everyone is familiar with the use of biodiesel as a substitute for diesel fuel, there are a few novel uses that may not have crossed your radar. Biodiesel can produce hydrogen, clean up oil spills, degrease your tools, heat your home, and more. Here's My Top 15 Unexpected Uses for Biodiesel: 1. Producing Hydrogen for Fuel-Cell Vehicles This was the big … [Read more...] about Top 15 Unexpected Uses For Biodiesel