From Harare 25th July 2007
Zimbabwe's farmers have been moving towards creating an oil field in the country by planting jatropha, a feed stock for biodiesel.
The time is fast approaching when substantial harvests of seed will be available.
This seed needs processing, first to extract the vegetable oil, which is not fit for humans, and then esterifying the oil to produce a fuel that will burn well in diesel engines.
The technology already exists for both processes.
Several countries in Europe have biodiesel plants in operation for environmental reasons.
Biodiesel is useful as a way of absorbing surpluses of rape seed oil, and when burned does not add to the greenhouse gas load.
The carbon dioxide from the biodiesel of one harvest is absorbed by the plants growing the next harvest.
However, refineries and conversion plants are not cheap.
Setting up the industry is going to absorb a lot of resources, although the result will be of immense benefit to Zimbabwe.
So Vice President Joice Mujuru's call for a partnership between the State and the private sector is most welcome.
The State has made most of the running so far, but there is obviously plenty of room for private investment in this exciting new sector.
We now all know jatropha is a viable plant over most of Zimbabwe, including the semi-arid areas.
We all know that every drop of biodiesel that goes into our fuel pool will release foreign currency for other desperately needed purposes.
And we know from other industries that it is quite easy for private investors in agri-industries, where there is also State involvement, to make reasonable profits.
So biodiesel is one of the new industries that can make a huge difference to tens of thousands of Zimbabweans, from the farmers who grow the trees, through the industries that process the seed, to the whole business sector that will see its perennial shortage of foreign currency significantly alleviated.
As such, we hope that the partnership outlined by Cde Mujuru will be taken seriously by the private business sector and especially the oil and agri-industrial sectors, both of whom have expertise and access to expertise that can do so much to make the new industry a success.
It is theoretically possible for Zimbabwe to become self-sufficient in diesel, although that stage is a long way off.
But every percent of the diesel demand that can be met by local raw materials will create a noticeable improvement in Zimbabwe's ability to grow.
At the same time, the growth of an alcohol industry, to supplement petrol, should not be ignored.
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While petrol cannot be replaced by pure ethanol, in contrast to diesel where that fuel can be 100 percent replaced by biodiesel so long as temperatures are above -10 degrees Celsius, it is possible to dilute petrol 20 percent with ethanol at our altitude without having to modify engines.
The switch from fossil liquid fuels to biofuels will impact on the petroleum industry in Zimbabwe. If they wish to retain market shares and grow, they will need to be involved in the biofuel industry.
We believe that the best time to become involved is on the ground floor, that is now, and we hope that this industry in particular will welcome the call by the Vice President and will take the Government at its word and start playing the role desired.
Showing posts with label ethanol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ethanol. Show all posts
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Diesel Autos Finally Come of Age in the USA – Now you Must switch to Biodiesel.
On the 24th of January President Bush used his State of the Union speech to ask Americans to “expand the use of clean diesel vehicles” as part of his new energy plan to cut US domestic gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next 10 years. Immediately auto manufacturers responded by unveiling a whole new generation of ultra-clean, brand new diesel passenger vehicles that not only meet the strictest emission standards ever set in the USA but also achieve 20-40 percent better fuel efficiency than comparable gasoline based models.
What does this mean for you? Simple, you will now have a growing range of autos to choose from that will have quiet , clean diesel powerplants – every single one of which will run on home produced biodiesel! If thought of running some old oily chugger has been putting you off then you no longer have an excuse.
Manufacturers, including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi are planning to introduce “50 state” diesels in the next two years, including everything from compact cars to luxury sedans, SUVs and pick-up trucks.
DaimlerChrysler AG Chairman Dieter Zetsche announced that its new Dodge Ram and other vehicles will meet strict new U.S. diesel emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles that take effect in 2010 nearly three years ahead of time. The medium-duty Dodge Ram pick-ups, featuring a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel powertrain, will be on sale soon in all 50 states. Chrysler also plans to introduce a diesel version of its Jeep Grand Cherokee early this year.
Also Volkswagen AG unveiled plans for its new diesel 2008 Jetta, which will help meet the new stringent EPA “Tier II Bin 5” emission requirements. The clean diesel Jetta meets these standards without the use of urea-based selected catalytic reduction technology (SCR). It is expected to achieve 40 MPG in the city and 60 MPG on the highway. In November, DaimlerChrysler announced it was joining forces with Volkswagen and its Audi unit to market clean-diesel Bluetec technology.
These vehicles set the stage for a coming wave of new, 50-state compliant diesel consumer vehicles slated to hit showroom floors and dealer lots nationwide for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 model years, including the Chevrolet Express Cargo Van, the Chevrolet Silverado HD Pickup, the Ford E-Series Cargo Van, the Ford F-Series Super Duty, the GMC Savana Cargo Van, the GMC Sierra Pickup, Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec, the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 CDI (Mid-size SUV), the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (Large SUV), the Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI (Touring Roadster Crossover), and the Volkswagen Touareg TDI.
Other prospective new clean diesels being seriously considered for introduction in the U.S. market include the Volkswagen Tiguan small SUV, the Honda Accord diesel, the Audi Q7 SUV, the Nissan Sentra, and the BMW 535d sedan and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle.
A car is certified by the EPA as “50-state compliant” when it meets “Tier II Bin 5” standards for emissions. Manufacturers are fiercely competing to bring the new technologically advanced passenger vehicle diesels into the U.S. market to help promote clean air, reduce carbon emissions and cut gasoline use. Emission regulations in California, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Maine and Rhode Island prohibited the sale of passenger car diesels in 2006, but new clean diesels will meet those regulations.
J.D. Power & Associates predicts that the diesel market in the United States could increase nearly 300 percent by 2015. And R.L. Polk & Associates shows that registration of diesel passenger vehicles jumped 80 percent from 2000-2005. In the light-duty market, diesel registrations showed 95 percent growth from 2000-2005, with 31 percent growth coming in 2005 alone.
Because of its low-end torque, unrivalled performance and towing power, diesel has long been a mainstay of the medium-duty pickup market. Further R.L. Polk data show that sales of diesel-powered medium-duty trucks increased 72 percent from 2000-2005.
Modern diesels are nothing like your fathers diesel cars; they are smooth driving, fast, have great acceleration and deliver 20% - 40% better fuel economy. Better than that you can make your own biodiesel fuel at home and use it in these vehicals without any modifications. There has never been a better time for you to make the move to biodiesel in the USA.
What does this mean for you? Simple, you will now have a growing range of autos to choose from that will have quiet , clean diesel powerplants – every single one of which will run on home produced biodiesel! If thought of running some old oily chugger has been putting you off then you no longer have an excuse.
Manufacturers, including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi are planning to introduce “50 state” diesels in the next two years, including everything from compact cars to luxury sedans, SUVs and pick-up trucks.
DaimlerChrysler AG Chairman Dieter Zetsche announced that its new Dodge Ram and other vehicles will meet strict new U.S. diesel emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles that take effect in 2010 nearly three years ahead of time. The medium-duty Dodge Ram pick-ups, featuring a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel powertrain, will be on sale soon in all 50 states. Chrysler also plans to introduce a diesel version of its Jeep Grand Cherokee early this year.
Also Volkswagen AG unveiled plans for its new diesel 2008 Jetta, which will help meet the new stringent EPA “Tier II Bin 5” emission requirements. The clean diesel Jetta meets these standards without the use of urea-based selected catalytic reduction technology (SCR). It is expected to achieve 40 MPG in the city and 60 MPG on the highway. In November, DaimlerChrysler announced it was joining forces with Volkswagen and its Audi unit to market clean-diesel Bluetec technology.
These vehicles set the stage for a coming wave of new, 50-state compliant diesel consumer vehicles slated to hit showroom floors and dealer lots nationwide for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 model years, including the Chevrolet Express Cargo Van, the Chevrolet Silverado HD Pickup, the Ford E-Series Cargo Van, the Ford F-Series Super Duty, the GMC Savana Cargo Van, the GMC Sierra Pickup, Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec, the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 CDI (Mid-size SUV), the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (Large SUV), the Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI (Touring Roadster Crossover), and the Volkswagen Touareg TDI.
Other prospective new clean diesels being seriously considered for introduction in the U.S. market include the Volkswagen Tiguan small SUV, the Honda Accord diesel, the Audi Q7 SUV, the Nissan Sentra, and the BMW 535d sedan and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle.
A car is certified by the EPA as “50-state compliant” when it meets “Tier II Bin 5” standards for emissions. Manufacturers are fiercely competing to bring the new technologically advanced passenger vehicle diesels into the U.S. market to help promote clean air, reduce carbon emissions and cut gasoline use. Emission regulations in California, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Maine and Rhode Island prohibited the sale of passenger car diesels in 2006, but new clean diesels will meet those regulations.
J.D. Power & Associates predicts that the diesel market in the United States could increase nearly 300 percent by 2015. And R.L. Polk & Associates shows that registration of diesel passenger vehicles jumped 80 percent from 2000-2005. In the light-duty market, diesel registrations showed 95 percent growth from 2000-2005, with 31 percent growth coming in 2005 alone.
Because of its low-end torque, unrivalled performance and towing power, diesel has long been a mainstay of the medium-duty pickup market. Further R.L. Polk data show that sales of diesel-powered medium-duty trucks increased 72 percent from 2000-2005.
Modern diesels are nothing like your fathers diesel cars; they are smooth driving, fast, have great acceleration and deliver 20% - 40% better fuel economy. Better than that you can make your own biodiesel fuel at home and use it in these vehicals without any modifications. There has never been a better time for you to make the move to biodiesel in the USA.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Make Biodiesel At Home or Go Broke
Make Biodiesel At Home
As the world’s reserve of fossil fuels becomes fast depleted, the need for reliable alternative fuel sources becomes more and more acute. One alternative fuel that is fast gaining recognition is biodiesel fuel. Like everything new and alternative, this fuel source is surrounded by many myths and falsehoods designed to scare people away. Our Ultimate Biodiesel Guide is committed to providing people with the facts. We not only want to encourage alternative fuel use, we also want people to make biodiesel at home.
The cost of fuel is becoming ridiculous. Although it would be easy to simply blame greedy oil company CEOs, the truth is that the rising cost is just as much a consequence of depleted resources and high demand. Additionally governments see fuel tax as an easy way to raise revenue - they know we can't do without it. I spoke to a friend of mine in the UK today - did you know that 80% of the cost of a gallon of gas in the UK is tax? Trust me, this will soon be "normal" everywhere.
Every year the cost of heating homes and driving to work is getting more and more out of hand, creating real financial hardships on the less wealthy of our society. Learning to make biodiesel at home can cut fuel and power costs by up to 90% per year. This means that fuel costs rise no longer, meaning bigger spending, it means bigger savings.
Learning to make your own biodiesel not only saves on the cost of fuel, it also saves on the maintenance of your machinery. Test after test has proven that those machines adapted to run on this fuel run more effectively, have fewer mechanical breakdowns, and last longer than those still running on fossil fuels. When maintenance fees are added to fuel savings, it is amazing how much less you will spend every year on driving a car, heating a home, and powering machinery using homemade biodiesel.
It is sad, but our society is virtually held hostage by rising fuel costs. When to go on vacation, how often to drive a vehicle, and even the temperature of the house are dictated by oil company executives. CEOs in suits should not control your life -- your life should be in your own hands. Homemade biodiesel is the key to freedom and it is the key to taking control over how you live your life and power your technology.
At www.ultimate-biodiese-guide.com we want everyone to know the benefits of making their own fuel. This is why we not only provide you with a comprehensive manual, but also continually update our site as new information becomes available. Please visit our resources section for a selection of informative articles, and check back often to learn more.
This article is courtesy of www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com
As the world’s reserve of fossil fuels becomes fast depleted, the need for reliable alternative fuel sources becomes more and more acute. One alternative fuel that is fast gaining recognition is biodiesel fuel. Like everything new and alternative, this fuel source is surrounded by many myths and falsehoods designed to scare people away. Our Ultimate Biodiesel Guide is committed to providing people with the facts. We not only want to encourage alternative fuel use, we also want people to make biodiesel at home.
The cost of fuel is becoming ridiculous. Although it would be easy to simply blame greedy oil company CEOs, the truth is that the rising cost is just as much a consequence of depleted resources and high demand. Additionally governments see fuel tax as an easy way to raise revenue - they know we can't do without it. I spoke to a friend of mine in the UK today - did you know that 80% of the cost of a gallon of gas in the UK is tax? Trust me, this will soon be "normal" everywhere.
Every year the cost of heating homes and driving to work is getting more and more out of hand, creating real financial hardships on the less wealthy of our society. Learning to make biodiesel at home can cut fuel and power costs by up to 90% per year. This means that fuel costs rise no longer, meaning bigger spending, it means bigger savings.
Learning to make your own biodiesel not only saves on the cost of fuel, it also saves on the maintenance of your machinery. Test after test has proven that those machines adapted to run on this fuel run more effectively, have fewer mechanical breakdowns, and last longer than those still running on fossil fuels. When maintenance fees are added to fuel savings, it is amazing how much less you will spend every year on driving a car, heating a home, and powering machinery using homemade biodiesel.
It is sad, but our society is virtually held hostage by rising fuel costs. When to go on vacation, how often to drive a vehicle, and even the temperature of the house are dictated by oil company executives. CEOs in suits should not control your life -- your life should be in your own hands. Homemade biodiesel is the key to freedom and it is the key to taking control over how you live your life and power your technology.
At www.ultimate-biodiese-guide.com we want everyone to know the benefits of making their own fuel. This is why we not only provide you with a comprehensive manual, but also continually update our site as new information becomes available. Please visit our resources section for a selection of informative articles, and check back often to learn more.
This article is courtesy of www.ultimate-biodiesel-guide.com
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