The rising price and environmental impacts of petrol and diesel are causing a rethink of the fuel we use in our private cars and in our vehicle fleets. Good news is that there are smart alternatives to petrol and diesel. Even better news is that biofuels made entirely of renewable material don’t produce greenhouse gases as they don’t produce carbon dioxide.
Biofuels are produced from, or made up of, renewable material of plant or animal origin such as sugars, starches, vegetable oils and animal fats. Sustainable biofuels are renewable and some are available to motorists in Christchurch (see below).
Biodiesel is an attractive transport fuel option that’s suitable for businesses operating vehicle fleets. Biodiesel is biomaterial and diesel, and is common around the world with different proportions of organic matter added in different blends. Blends of less than 20% biodiesel can be used in diesel engines with no, or only minor modifications. Biodiesel is oil and vegetable fat mixed with petroleum-based diesel. To be sold in New Zealand biodiesel can be no more than 5 % renewable fats. Biofuel blended with fossil fuel is used internationally and are on sale in Asia and Australia as well as parts of Europe, North and South America.
New Zealand produced the first biodiesel from algae in 2006. Marlborough-based Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation announced the world’s first commercial production of biodiesel from algae outside the laboratory, in ‘wild’ conditions, created from algae in sewage ponds. Algae are the simplest plant organisms that convert sunlight and carbon dioxide in the air around us, into stored energy through the well understood process of photosynthesis. Although the exact biodiesel manufacturing technology is a well-guarded secret, the process involves processing the algae pulp before extracting lipid oil which is turned into biodiesel.
Christchurch biodiesel
http://www.biodiesel-nz.co.nz/
Biodiesel New Zealand; a Christchurch-based national operation offers full feedstock-to-customer renewable fuel.
- Used cooking oil collection
- Canola (oilseed rape) cultivation and production Agronomy and agricultural activities
- Biogold™ manufacture and testing
- Biogold™ supply, logistics and operational support Technical services to assist with Biogold™ end-use applications.
Businesses can contact Biodiesel New Zealand to look at how they can use this sustainable fuel for their fleets.
Motorists can go to their plant at Unit 8, 472 Blenheim Road, Sockburn, Christchurch and by setting up an account take advantage of biodiesel.
