[Hidden-tech] Biodiesel - Co-op Power

[Christian Lagier]

Let me throw in a word of support for Co-op Power. Biodiesel is a great 
idea (especially based on recycled vegetable oil) and Co-op Power is a 
volunteer-based cooperative that is working hard to actually make 
something happen, now, here (i.e. local biodiesel production).

The web site has good information on some things you already can do now 
to help build a local biodiesel industry, e.g. get biodiesel blend for 
your oil-fired furnace, and also gives you options for supporting Co-op 
Power (they need it).

I know Garth agrees with me; if you are interested in biodiesel or 
sustainability projects creating local economic momentum, take a look at 
Co-op Power: www.cooppower.coop.

As a Co-op Power volunteer myself, I'll be happy to answer any questions 
you might have.

Christian

Garth Shaneyfelt wrote:
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>
>> Frank,
>>
>> Thanks for your questions! I'll reply to the HT list, as well, in 
>> case others may have the same questions.
>>
>> 1 - Biodiesel is vegetable oil which has been chemically reacted with 
>> methanol and lye (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide)to replace 
>> glycol chains with ester chains.  .........
>>
>> 3 - I appear to be getting roughly the same mileage with the same 
>> acceleration/performance.  My engine has almost 250,000 miles on it, 
>> however, so a little computer tweaking of my engine probably wouldn't 
>> hurt at this point.  :)
>>
>> If you're looking to pick up a used diesel vehicle, you'll probably 
>> want to find one manufactured after 1995 - biodiesel is quite a  
>> solvent and will literally EAT rubber hoses/seals/gaskets in the fuel 
>> system.  The vast majority of diesel vehicles manufactured after 1995 
>> have synthetic rubber in their fuel systems, so it won't be a problem.
>
> In addition, in the Pioneer Valley area, a new biodiesel plant (that 
> will use waste veggie oil as the feedstock) is in the works [breaking 
> ground this spring/summer] in the Greenfield Industrial Park.  
> http://www.northeastbiodiesel.com   They will only be selling 
> wholesale, but a cooperative group, CoopPower 
> (http://www.cooppower.coop) is a major investor and hope to maintain 
> local control of this sustainable energy resource.
>
> Locally, you can get biodiesel blends at the pump in Greenfield and 
> Brattleboro (at the Flemoil Stations) and also in Holyoke (at Alliance 
> Energy).  Yellow BioDiesel is available in 5 gallon jugs in many 
> stores and service stations in the region as well.  
> http://www.yellowbiodiesel.com/
>
> I have been successfully running my 1978 Mercedes Benz 300 sedan on 
> biodiesel for the last 6 months.  Runs great and I get the same (poor) 
> 27mpg as on petro-diesel.
>
> Ebay, Greasecar classifieds, and Craigslist are all good options for 
> finding a diesel (in Mass).  In other states (and when the low-sulphur 
> diesel requirements go into effect in Sept), you can buy a new diesel 
> car or truck.  Already 22% of VW sales are in the diesel segment:
> http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/05/us_sales_of_vw_.html
>
> hope this helps
> -Garth
>
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* Christian Lagier
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