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The Moscow Biodiesel Co-op is the first of 100 pilot sites to distribute
locally produced biodiesel. Community-Minded Enterprises
(CME) from Spokane, Washington, PCEI, and other partners were
funded through the Bullitt
Foundation to create a new method of producing and distributing
biodiesel that addressed problems such as food for fuel issues,
significant amounts of energy to transport biodiesel, and
over-fertilization of fields and eutrophication of local water systems
through biodiesel production.
PCEI is working with CME, The University of Idaho and the local
community to facilitate the development of the Co-op. The Moscow
Biodiesel Co-op will concentrate on micro-generation of biodiesel at
the community level, so fuel production will happen within 500 miles of
the people who use it.
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How does Biodiesel work?
Biodiesel runs in any unmodified diesel engine. There is no “engine
conversion” typical of other alternative fuels. The diesel engine can
run on biodiesel because it operates on the principle of compression
ignition whereby air is compressed and then fuel is sprayed into the
ultra-hot, ultra-pressured combustion chamber. Unlike gasoline engines,
which use a spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture, diesel engines
actually use fuel to ignite hot air. This simple process allows the
diesel engine to run on thick fuels. Since biodiesel is chemically
similar to petroleum diesel fuel, you can pour biodiesel right into the
fuel tank of any diesel vehicle. Biodiesel has many advantages as a
transport fuel. Biodiesel has lower emissions, it is made domestically,
it does not affect engine performance and biodiesel is produced from
plants.
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Interested in Helping Us Develop a Moscow Biodiesel Co-Op??
If you are interested in learning more about Biodiesel, are available to
volunteer, and want to get a Co-Op started in Moscow, we're looking for
help! Please click us to learn
more about getting involved.
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Developing a Biodiesel Co-op in Your Community
Are you interested in developing a Biodiesel Co-op in your local area?
We have put together a chart to help you through the step by step process of developing
a community-based biodiesel co-op.
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Engaging Local Growers in Biofuels Production
PCEI Co-op members will be researching the feasibility and
sustainability of working with local growers to produce biofuels. |
To become a member of the Co-op or to learn more about what is going on
locally with biodiesel, sign up to our email list for exciting
updates.
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More Alternative Energy Resources
U.S. Department of
Agriculture Rural Development
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Biomass Research & Development Initiative (joint DOE/USDA
project)
Department of
Energy - Alternative Fuels Data Center
Department of
Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Office of Transportation Technologies
Core Engineered Solutions - Alternative Fuels
National Biodiesel
Board
Department of Energy Office of FreedomCAR and Vehicle
Technologies
Renewable Energy Policy
Project
American Wind Energy
Association
Solar Energy Industries
Association
Washington State
University Extension Energy Program
The
Northwest Solar Center, A Project of Washington State
University
International Center for
Appropriate and Sustainable Technology
Colorado Solar Energy
Industries Association
Biodiesel
information
Planet
Biodiesel
CU Biodeisel
Biodiesel
Analysis
Journey to
Forever
Wind
energy manufacturers
Colorado’s State
solar rebates
Grant availability
E Bus
Avista Utilities provided these helpful Websites on generating your
own renewable energy:
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/31872.pdf
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/35297.pdf
http://www.eere.energy.gov
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