World's First Carbon-Neutral Biodiesel Plant Coming to Idaho (TreeHugger)

World's First Carbon-Neutral Biodiesel Plant Coming to Idaho (TreeHugger): "

Green Star Products, Inc. (GSPI) will build the first biodiesel plant to emit almost zero net greenhouse gases from direct plant production of biodiesel. We've been following the rise of biodiesel as an alternative to fossil fuels and gasoline (from the geography of the fuel to the celebs who use it to its addition to the dictionary), so we know that most production plants require heating input, usually from natural gas, require electricity from local utilities, which emit CO(2), and that the chemical processes uses 10% methanol (wood alcohol) made from natural gas, all of which contribute to our warming planet. GSPI has considered all of these factors in the design of their new plant; Joseph P. LaStella, P.E., President of GSPI, explains:

"First, our proprietary continuous flow waterless process requires less than one-third the electrical energy to operate versus existing batch plants. Therefore, we have decided to furnish our own electric generators, which will run on our own biodiesel. The existing electrical utility connections will only serve as an emergency backup service.

Green fuel lurks in pond scum - 27 Oct 2007 - Climate change news - NZ Herald

Green fuel lurks in pond scum - 27 Oct 2007 - Climate change news - NZ Herald: "

A plant scientist from West Texas believes one of the oldest, simplest life forms could help to ease some of today's toughest energy and environment problems.

Algae converts carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, into a vegetable oil that Glen Kertz, a plant cell expert who used to work for oil companies, hopes can be economically turned into biodiesel.

Algae doesn't need prime farmland, vast quantities of fertiliser, or large harvest vehicles, unlike corn which is the main United States feedstock for ethanol, the top alternative motor fuel.

The single-celled organisms, which are among the world's fastest growing plants, can prosper in small bags of water under the light of greenhouses.

"The more light I have, the more energy that I can capture and put back into the transportation system," Kertz, CEO of private company Valcent Products, said.