BioJet – First Biofuel Powered Jet For Sale

by Paul on February 11, 2009

BioJet - biofuel jet for saleBiodiesel is beginning to make its way into the aviation jetfuel market, several flights have already been made using various biofuel combinations. This Delfin L-29 was the first jet aircraft to fly on 100 percent biodiesel and the first to fly trans-continental on biofuel.

At the time of this writing, the current bid is over $30,000 but the reserve is not met. They'll take a MiG 21 in trade though, if you have one in the hanger.

Link: BioJet - auction has ended

Vegawatt waste vegetable oil generator with George Carey, owner of first unitVegawatt is the next step in biofuel evolution from waste product to low priced commodity to valuable resource. Vegawatt is an onsite generator installed next to a restaurant or any food service facility that uses cooking oil. The waste oil is poured into Vegawatt and out comes electricity and preheated water, eliminating disposal costs and reducing electric bills at the same time.

The Vegawatt filters the waste vegetable oil producing a very clean fuel, though they are very specific in saying this is not biodiesel, no chemicals such as lye are needed. The diesel generator produces electricity which is delivered to the restaurant's power panel through a single wired connection. Water lines are run through the system's heat exchanger to preheat water before going to the restaurant's boiler, reducing energy needs there as well. The compact unit sits outside looking like the backup generators commonly found outside many businesses though this generator runs any time waste oil is available. The company says it is sized for a facility with 3 to 5 deep fryers.

Vegawatt eliminates disposal costs completely and, though some restaurants were selling their waste oil for 25 cents to 40 cents per gallon, the Vegawatt can save about $2.50 per gallon in electric charges depending on the energy costs in the area it's installed. The unit costs $22,000 with estimates of energy savings of $1,000 per month.

The Vegawatt is made by the Owl Power Company of Boylston, MA, founded by James Peret. Mr. Peret holds his engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

This is a great idea and makes you wonder why it took so long before someone did it.

Link: Vegawatt via Wired

Mount Washington Cog Railway Converts to Biodiesel

August 29, 2008
Thumbnail image for Mount Washington Cog Railway Converts to Biodiesel

Engine #9 at the Mount Washington Cog Railway has been converted to run a diesel engine on biodiesel instead of coal powered steam. The formal unveiling will take place September 6th.
Located on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, the Cog Railway has been taking visitors to the 6288 foot summit since 1869. It was the world’s [...]

Read the full article →

Solazyme Biodiesel From Algae – SolaDiesel

January 24, 2008
Thumbnail image for Solazyme Biodiesel From Algae – SolaDiesel

Biodiesel from algae is an idea that has been around for a while and it’s rapidly gaining proponents. Solazyme has now road tested a standard diesel automobile with Soladiesel, their algae derived biodiesel and report success over long distances under typical driving conditions.
Press release follows:
Solazyme, Inc., a synthetic biology company unleashing the power of aquatic [...]

Read the full article →

Biodiesel Hummer – 500hp 19mpg

January 22, 2008
Thumbnail image for Biodiesel Hummer – 500hp 19mpg

Hummers get a lot of criticism from almost everyone these days as low mileage machines out of tune with the current energy times, after all, 8 or 9 mpg is tough to swallow with $3.00+ gasoline. So how about a biodiesel powered Hummer that gets 19 mpg with 500 hp and 900 ft lbs of [...]

Read the full article →

Daryl Hannah Selling Her 1983 Biodiesel El Camino

January 22, 2008
Daryl Hannah's biodiesel El Camino

Daryl Hannah is committed to alternative fuels and she has a 1983 Biodiesel powered El Camino for sale. This is her personal ride and it’s received more than its share of attention. El Caminos actually were delivered with diesel engines in very limited numbers back in ‘83 and ‘84 and this is one of them.
Buy [...]

Read the full article →

Die Moto – Biodiesel Motorcycle from The Crucible

May 21, 2007
Thumbnail image for Die Moto – Biodiesel Motorcycle from The Crucible

The Crucible, an Oakland, California based non-profit educational community, has built a motorcycle. Called Die Moto, the bike has a custom built steel frame with a BMW swingarm and possibly the fork, too, though that isn’t stated along with a custom designed aluminum fairing.
The engine, from a BMW 320D diesel powered car, is a 4 [...]

Read the full article →

Biodiesel Chevy Impala From Pimp My Ride

April 18, 2007
Thumbnail image for Biodiesel Chevy Impala From Pimp My Ride

The MTV television show, “Pimp My Ride,” will take a 1965 Chevy Impala and transform it into a biodiesel hot rod in honor of Earth Day. The car will receive an engine transplant and get an 800 horsepower version of the popular Duramax diesel engine, usually found in Chevy and GMC trucks.
Press release follows:
In celebration [...]

Read the full article →