So here's the first in what will be regular updates of biodiesel news from around the globe. Enjoy…

School Bus Melted Into Biodiesel!?

A 1000 pound butter sculpture was recently unveiled at a Pennsylvania Farm Show. The sculpture depicts children getting on a school bus and is sure to wow your eyes as it is turn your stomach!

Take a look at the pic here

The sculpture will eventually be sent to Penn State University where it will be turned into biodiesel fuel. Hurrah!

Biodiesel Made From Rubber Seeds…

I receive a lot of emails asking me whether biodiesel can be made from this or that substance so - whaddya think about this?

Chemical engineering lecturer Mohammad Tazli Azizan apparently grew up playing around with rubber seeds as a kid (well, we all need a hobby!) and so he decided to find out what he could make from them and, yes, biodiesel was produced!

His only remaining problem is to find away to collect the rubber seeds adequately. Any suggestions?

Read the full story here

Chocolate Biodiesel…

Lastly, how's about this for an expedition? Eat your heart out Phileas Fogg. A couple of guys from the UK have just completed an extraordinary journey from the UK to Timbuktu in their truck powered by biodiesel.

It's a big enough feat in itself but did you know that the biodiesel was made entirely from chocolate?

From their site… "Confusion surrounding biofuels has lead to a backlash as it was revealed that some biofuels have a worse carbon footprint than their fossil counterparts, but recycling techniques and developing technology means biofuels can be made in such a way that they benefit the environment and the chocolate diesel is a great example of this."

The travellers delivered a biodiesel processing unit to a Malian charity which means they will now be able to produce biodiesel locally - which in turn means the whole journey has become carbon negative - a genuine world first. Congrats guys!

Carthame or Safflower (Carthamus tintorius, Compositae). Grown mainly in India, Mexico, Ethiopia, Australlia and cultivated in USA. The plant was known in ancient Egypt (mummy of pharaoh Amenophis I, 1600 B.C.), in the Persian Gulf and used until recently for its tinctorial properties (pink, red color). 

Oil content: 30-40%. The oil which has one of the highest linoleic acid content (75-80%) is used in lipochemistry, human nutrition and dietetic. Thus, safflower oil is utilized as cooking oil and in the form of salad oil, mayonnaise, margarine and in processed foods. Nonfood uses are coatings, paints, and alkyd or polyamide resins.
Most of the commonly cultivated varieties contain more than 70% linoleic acid in their oil but some varieties have been developed with high oleic (up to 70%) or stearic (5-10%) acid contents.

The world production of safflower seeds was about 20,000 tons in 1999, 36% being from India. Although the cetane number of Biodiesel produced from this plant is lower in comparison to other plants, yet its iodine value is in accordance with ASTML.In Pakistan this crop is cultivated in Provinces of Sind and N.W.F.P on small scale.

Yet by proper bioengineering of this plant, it is possible that this plant will contribute to Biodiesel production on large scale in Pakistan. 

We all understand (or should do by now) the importance of alternative fuel being developed and encouraged in South Africa and the rest of the world. 

Why is it that things are being made so difficult for those putting in the effort?

Also, as with all emerging markets, those who get in early expect to make some money from it.  An accepted economic fact for those lucky enough to survive the roadblocks along the way.  

Here I refer specifically to those NGO's and entrepreneurs that support the 'cause'.  'Big Business' seem to want to gather in the 'little okes', check out their research and development, gobble them up only to spit them out in the not-too-distant future.  OK, some financial help to survive and grow is a wonderful carrot; but at what cost?  And what is the rest of the country going to really benefit by this?

My personal little view is that, although big business and government has the moral and legal responsibility  and financial clout to DO something about the alternative fuel and energy issues (and they ARE doing something, I am told), I believe that the decentralising of energy and biofuel is the key.   This will create some much-needed jobs, skills, education, slow down urbanisation, empower a larger number of people and communities in the ways that matter most.

Feedstock oil for the manufacturing of biodiesel is a problem.  A growing one at that.  In South Africa we are limited to certain traditional food crops for feedstock (Jatropha not being allowed yet; and algae technology still being developed).  Feedstock oil is therefore being imported at huge cost (up to R14 per litre) from countries and companies/individuals that (rightly) see the opportunity to make hay while the sun shines.  

Not to be outdone, many local companies have leapt onto the bandwagon and are charging premium prices for used vegetable oil and stuff that is sometimes really of questionable quality and content.

Being a manufacturer of small biodiesel processing units, Bioman Energy discusses this scenario with clients on a daily basis.  The bottom line is:  how will the the deadline for a biodiesel blend in 2013 be met if the small manufacturer of biodiesel is not encouraged by govenment with the introduction of some means of support to  import feedstock oil and/or the planting of the high-yield crops that will be neccessary to achieve this goal?

The planting of feedstock crops by communities (supported by NGO's and government), I believe will create more empowerment than would the large-scale control and planting of feedstock crops by 'international investors' and large companies.   The question here should be:  Is it for South African use or for export?   If not for South African use, then NO!  No exploitation!  We look after our own people and their needs first.  International companies should take their money-carrots elsewhere!  

An interesting piece can be read on the following link :  http://www.biofpr.com/view/MTAwMDE3L05XLzUxL251bGw=/newsDetail.html

Yeah, I get emotional about this stuff.  I am still mild compared to the people that attended the CURES workshop with me recently.  Check their web site too.  

…and I am not even a 'real greenie'.   I just work hard at something I believe in and believe will make a difference.

Why are YOU in the biodiesel business?

With the exception of hydroelectricity and nuclear energy, the majority of the worlds energy needs are supplied through petrochemical sources, coal and natural gas. All of these sources are finite and at certain usage rate will be consumed by the end of the next century. The depletion of the world petroleum reserves and increased environmental concerns has stimulated recent interest in alternative sources for petroleum based fuels.Biodiesel has arisen as a potential candidate for the diesel substitute due to the similarities it has with petroleum based diesel.

       Biodiesel defined as “a substitute for, or an additive to Diesel fuel that is derived from the oils and fats of plants and animals” or monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from a renewable lipid feedstock, such as vegetable oil or animal fat, is becoming popular in developing countries as well as developed ones. The European Union has set an objective to secure a market share for motor biofuels of 20%     of the total motor fuel consumption by 2020.Fossil diesel blended with 20%biodiesel produced from soybean oil is available in the US market now. Developing renewable energy is national strategy of Pakistan, which does not have plentiful fossil oil deposits. This big developing country with rapid economic growth needs more energy than before. The oil sector is looking for indigenous sources to reduce its dependence on imported crude oil and there can be no better source than ethanol and Biodiesel.  

    The major hurdle in commercialization of this renewable motor fuel in countries like Pakistan is high cost of oil, reagents and equipments, non availability of good quality raw material and lack of experties in this field.

 Pakistan has wide resources of both edible and non edible oil yielding plants. Among edible oil yielding plants cotton,canola,sun flower,Sesame,linseed,Safflower and Soybean are important while among non edible oil plants castor seed,jatropa,jojoba ,different species of acacia,pongammia pinata and many halophytes are common. .Although, Pakistan already face shortage of edible oil, yet by making proper arrangements and bioengineering of the crops yielding non edible oil, will help in the production of Biodiesel on large scale with in the country. Experiments have shown that Biodiesel derived from non edible oil seeds can be used in the designs of diesel vehicals.It will also result in the utilization of waste land, drought proofing and energy security for the country. The commercialization of Biodiesel in this poor country will lead to employment generation especially in rural areas and thus will help in reduction of poverty.Moreover, the availability of this fuel will open a new market for oil and fats in country so that both local and foreign investors will be attracted to make investment in this new field.Thus, it will also help in establishment of country economy.

      Pakistan at present imports crude oil worth billion of dollars every year to fulfill the demand from consumers like factories and vehicals.By commercialization this renewable fuel, Pakistan depend on foreign countries for petroleum import will be reduced.Moreover, the main advantage of using this renewable fuel is that it is environment friendly and all the exhaust gasses emitted are photosynthetic and not affect the green house.

     For commercialization of Biodiesel, government has to take some serious steps. The most important of which is that there should be good advertisement of this beneficial fuel throughout the country and government should facilitate the people which are interested in this field. The govt.should advise the oil and gas sector to make blend of 20%biodiesel with petro diesel. Thus, on one hand pollution rate will be reduced and on other hand our dependence on petroleum import will be decreased.

     Pakistan has vast areas which are not cultivable including sea shores, desserts, saline and waterlogged soils. It has been found that there grows many xerophytes and halophytes which yield non edible oil and can contribute to commercial Biodiesel production .

   Research in the fields of Biodiesel is in progress throughout the world and also on small scale in Pakistan. Although Pakistan is much backward in this field, yet in some institutes like Quid e Azam University, research on small scale is in progress. The main aim of research in this field is the development of suitable and cheaper materials and methods, improving the standard of existing raw materials in order to reduce cost benefit ratio. If our government takes serious steps and facilitates the research institutes, than that day is not far away when our vehicles will run on this renewable and environment friendly fuel.                                                                                        

By Faizan wazir and Asia Noshin,Phytohormone Lab,Quaid e Azam university,Islamabd,Pakistan

Searching the South African Revenue Services website, the following relevant biodiesel titbit was found on the 2006/7 Budget document (page 16):

I quote:

"Biodiesel fuel tax rebate

As announced in 2002, biodiesel will in future be classified as a fuel levy good, making it zero-rated for VAT and subject to fuel taxes. However, the original proposed rebate of 30 per cent on the general fuel levy was based on the limited information about production costs available in 2002. A review of international practice indicates that to support the industry the rebate should be set at 40 per cent of the general fuel levy. Given the emerging character of the industry, this is expected to have a limited effect on the fiscus."  

End of Quote.

The reason for my being on the SARS site in the first place, was to find the document to register as a "non-commercial manufacturer of biodiesel" with SARS -  Annexure DA185.4A9. 

Even though Bioman Energy is the manufacturer of biodiesel processing machines, we make biodiesel as part of our ongoing research and development. Also to make sure we can walk our talk!

Go to www.sars.co.za and search for 'biodiesel' to find these documents and other interesting information.

If we're biodiesel-serious, we're also biodiesel-legal.

Quite an amusing story from the LA Times today…

Hilary Clinton stopped off at a biodiesel plant in Newton, Ioha on her campaign trail. In an effort to show how green friendly she was, Hilary was asked a question by an onlooker.

"How does you plan combat global climate change" Hilary was asked.

Hilary replied "it's usually young people that ask me about global warming"

Funny that.

Turns out the question was rigged and the enquiring young student a "plant"!

Oh Hilary and I was so happy to see you getting all biodiesel friendly but you just went and ruined my good feelings with this false display…

After the transesterification (the process of mixing vegetable oil with the catalyst) and the resultant separation of glycerol, the resultant biodiesel must be 'washed'.

The traditional Water Wash system works.  However, producing perfectly good biodiesel prior to the water wash is negated by adding water to eliminate the remaining glycerol, methanol and potassium hydroxide from the product.

This method needs a source of water (which has its own unknown chemical additives) to run through the biodiesel until the separated water is clear.  This process is often time consuming; with the added danger of producing soap in the process.  As if this is not enough, the resultant contaminated water must be treated before being disposed of; and the final product filtered before being regarded as safe to use in your vehicle.  It is recommended that the Water Wash system is used in conjunction with an excellent filter/water separator and on small batches only.

The Dry Wash system eliminates the need for water.  Most importantly this sytem produces close-to-spec biodiesel with the minimum risk of a batch turning to soap.  The ion exchange resin used (a Rohm & Haas product called Amberlite BD10DRY) absorbs impurities, water, glycerol and KOH from the biodiesel after the transesterification process.  However, it does not remove methanol. 

Bioman Energy has devised a simple methanol recovery system for this purpose.  The running cost of using the Amberlite resin is around 26-30 cents per litre.  Well worth the money to produce the resultant high-grade biodiesel.

Isn't it strange how seemingly unrelated events seem to link together in amazing harmony?

So it was when we met a group of amazing strangers at an informal meeting in the Hennopsriver, Gauteng area who are committed (in their seemingly unrelated ways) to becoming self-sustainable.  This would include biodiesel manufacturing, solar, water pumps, a waterless toilet, electricity generators, various building methods, a plant nursery and even an unconventional school.  (You will soon be able to chat to someone at the Bryanston Organic Market about all of these!)

Bioman Energy was invited by Wits University to exhibit the little Assagay 60 litre dry wash biodiesel processor at  the PREA (Promoting Renewable Energy in Africa) workshop in Stellenbosch during October. (Check out their web site http://cms.ises.org.prea/pages/main/msc.xsp.)  An honour indeed.

The connection between the PREA workshop and the Hennopsriver self-sustaining community then?  

What about if there is more to biodiesel than just running a vehicle?   What if it contributes in various ways to full-on self-sustainability?   How does this link with Bioman's vision of supplying the small producer of biodiesel with the means to do so? 

To start, we all believe that anyone should be able to produce biodiesel to get off the grid - whatever the 'grid' may entail for the individual - be it powering your home or vehicle (or both) from your own garage; and at a cost which an individual can afford.  Oh, of course the 'greenies' will like it too - for all the obvious reasons..!

Secondly, get a group of like-minded people together, and things start to cook!  These people believe in making a difference;  while offering like-minded individuals some answers to being self-sustainable.  

Biodiesel may well be a big part of that difference.

I come across people every day that don't know the first thing about alternative energy - let alone biodiesel! (but they sure remember the TV programme that featured the algae debacle and are now sceptical about anything related). 

South Africa is an interesting place.  Many people would rather believe the negative publicity someone else has caused than look you in the eye and see the potential.  But, being the positive little go-getter I am, I just say "not even negative publicity is bad advertising". 

A year into full-time in the biodiesel unit manufacturing business (which mostly entailed reading up, surfing the net and re-inventing the wheel again and again) I may well now have more grey hairs, but am also more adamant than ever that there is no alternative but to keep slogging on - because times are changing.

Subscribing to Energy and Capital's online newsletter is recommended.  He provides news hot off the press from all over the world relating to alternative energy.  He believes that the price of oil will hit $100 dollars very soon.  My partner John (the technical brain of Bioman Energy) watches the news with a sort of sick glee to see what the oil price is doing.  He believes what this does, is force people to think about alternatives - especially biodiesel.  Judging from the number of enquiries we are getting daily, this may well be true.

The bottom line is:  someone has to bite the bullet and do the work.  This is why I choose to be in this industry - to make a difference and (hopefully soon) make some money!