Soybeans. They make up America’s 3rd largest and certainly one of its most versatile crops. And soybeans aren’t just for the dinner table anymore. Soy has long been used as an ingredient in ink and paint and now researchers have found a new way to get more out of soybeans. They've come up with biodiesel, an "alternative" fuel to power cars, trucks and other vehicles.
What is biodiesel? Biodiesel is the name of a clean-burning alternative fuel produced from domestic renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, butit can be blended at any level with petroleum to create a biodiesel blend.
From www.biodiesel.org -- an informative,
easy to navigate site that includes a U.S.
map
with biodiesel fueling stations
One of the largest biodiesel producers is in the small town of Ralston, Iowa, population 100. Farmers bring their soybeans straight from the field to the West Central Co-Op, which every year produces about 12 million gallons of biodiesel fuel. The oil from crushed soybeans is combined with methanol. That chemical reaction produces biodiesel fuel along with glycerin and fatty acid by-products. According to Nile Ramsbottom who's in charge of West Central’s biodiesel division, “We reclaim all the excess methanol. We reuse the wash-water, for the most part. It’s very clean, very environmentally friendly.”
BioWillie: In June 2005, musician and biodiesel advocate Willie Nelson announced that a biodiesel blend called "BioWillie" is now available for truckers and other motorists at a Greer, South Carolina filling station.
From www.biodiesel.org
Biodiesel fuel is growing in popularity. The West Central plant has more demand than they have supply at this point. The goal is to build more plants for more fuel production so more people can use biodiesel. Biodiesel fuel costs a few more cents a gallon at the pump than pure petroleum-based diesel but as it becomes more available the price may come down.
Additional information:
For more information about soybeans in general and biodiesel visit: www.iasoybeans.com |
