CT Green Scene

Things are looking up for Biofuel

Good news for biofuel. Despite the anemic economy and the "weak-as-a-kitten" recovery, more drivers worldwide have switched to using it, particularly ethanol-based fuel. Because of soaring oil prices, cars are being filled up with the cheaper and more efficient fuel in the U.S. and Brazil as well as other countries. See this story from Worldwatch via ENN:

Biofuels Make a Comeback Despite Tough Economy
From: Worldwatch, Worldwatch Institute, More from this Affiliate
Published August 30, 2011 12:16 PM

"Global production of biofuels increased 17 percent in 2010 to reach an all-time high of 105 billion liters, up from 90 billion liters in 2009. High oil prices, a global economic rebound, and new laws and mandates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States, among other countries, are all factors behind the surge in production, according to research conducted by the Worldwatch Institute’s Climate and Energy Program for the website Vital Signs Online. The United States and Brazil remain the two largest producers of ethanol. In 2010, the United States generated 49 billion liters, or 57 percent of global output, and Brazil produced 28 billion liters, or 33 percent of the total. Corn is the primary feedstock for U.S. ethanol, and sugarcane is the dominant source of ethanol in Brazil."

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Image courtesy of Costa Rica News.

Grease Replaces Fuel

by Christina Cioci

The idea of using grease for fuel is a concept that is new to many people. Fueling a vehicle with used oil from restaurants might seem unbelievable, but it is a technique that has been gaining momentum. Although not all vehicles are easily converted, many are including some vans, Mercedes, GMC and other known models. It is being done throughout the United States and even internationally.

McDonald’s corporation in the United Arab Emirates is planning to reuse the fryer grease from the food to fuel their trucks. Not many people would think of this fast food chain as sustainable but they are partnering with Dubai based company Neutral Fuels, which is the first Middle East commercial producer of biodiesel using used vegetable cooking oil. Cleantechnica reports that “All restaurants throw out a tremendous amount of used cooking oil, but ones like McDonald’s – that deep-fat-fry so much of what they sell – have to throw away even more.”