UA receives grant to research biofuels on utility vehicles
Agriculture
Rachel Williams
Issue date: 8/20/07 Section: News
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Biofuels are a priority research focus in the UA Division of Agriculture. The division has a very active Bio-fuels Working Group that is conducting a variety of research and development projects in this area, Johnson said.
The grant from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board covers the research and education components of the project while UA facilities management is providing the infrastructure such as fuel shortage and distribution from its normal operating budget.
The City of Fayetteville will provide the B20 fuel for the project.
The soybean board is funding the study because it believes the results will further demonstrate the benefits of biodiesel. About 90 percent of biodiesel is made from soybean oil, said Robert Stobaugh, a Conway County farmer and member of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and National Biodiesel Board.
"I know from running B20 in 30-year-old engines and brand new engines that it is good fuel and burns cleaner. This project will help document those facts," Stobaugh said.
Biodiesel is available in about one-fourth of the counties in Arkansas at prices comparable to petroleum diesel, said Stobaugh.
Biodiesel is produced in Arkansas by Patriot Biofuels at Stuttgart and FutureFuel Chemical Co. at Batesville with a combined capacity of some 27 million gallons a year.
"Facilities Management is assessing and developing plans and goals to support progress in all areas to reduce energy consumption and our impact on the environment," said Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities. The department has implemented changes affecting capital construction to meet high industry standards for energy efficient and environmentally friendly design in projects greater than $1 million, Johnson said.
The grant from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board covers the research and education components of the project while UA facilities management is providing the infrastructure such as fuel shortage and distribution from its normal operating budget.
The City of Fayetteville will provide the B20 fuel for the project.
The soybean board is funding the study because it believes the results will further demonstrate the benefits of biodiesel. About 90 percent of biodiesel is made from soybean oil, said Robert Stobaugh, a Conway County farmer and member of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and National Biodiesel Board.
"I know from running B20 in 30-year-old engines and brand new engines that it is good fuel and burns cleaner. This project will help document those facts," Stobaugh said.
Biodiesel is available in about one-fourth of the counties in Arkansas at prices comparable to petroleum diesel, said Stobaugh.
Biodiesel is produced in Arkansas by Patriot Biofuels at Stuttgart and FutureFuel Chemical Co. at Batesville with a combined capacity of some 27 million gallons a year.
"Facilities Management is assessing and developing plans and goals to support progress in all areas to reduce energy consumption and our impact on the environment," said Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities. The department has implemented changes affecting capital construction to meet high industry standards for energy efficient and environmentally friendly design in projects greater than $1 million, Johnson said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
lee jackson
lee
posted 8/21/07 @ 8:35 AM EST
Someone should look at raising jatropa or algae on the roadsides, they have to be maintained anyway, why not turn them into biofuel growing arees!
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