Hawaii researchers to study tropical oil crops for biodiesel
A group of research institutions from Hawaii has announced the launch of a project to study the oil yields of local, tropical crops for biodiesel, such as kukui nuts, avocado, coconut and jatropha.
The Hawaii Agriculture Research Center and the University of Hawaii-Hilo forestry and agriculture college, the only biodiesel producer in the state, a construction supply company that will run equipment emissions tests on the fuel, as well as the Oceanic Institute, which will separately study plant leftovers for use as fish food, are the partners.
The project could further spur agricultural and biodiesel production in Hawaii while reducing imports and use of fossil fuel. The collaboration amongst the groups is deemed necessary to kickstart a viable biodiesel industry on the islands. Results from the study will be interesting for other (sub)tropical countries.
Four tree crops - kukui nuts, avocado, coconut and jatropha - will be tested to see which ones yield the most oil and which oils are most suitable for conversion into fuel to either replace or blend with diesel. The research will also focus on studying the efficiency and value streams of byproducts (such as presscakes and glycerine as feed for aquaculture) and the potential to integrate the cultivation of oil crops with other agricultural activities:
biomass :: bioenergy :: biofuels :: energy :: sustainability :: kukui :: jatropha :: coconut ::avocado :: Hawaii ::
Identifying the best crops will help farmers and agricultural businesses grow feedstock in sufficient quantities. This will help Pacific Biodiesel - the Maui-based company that uses virtually all the available waste cooking oil in the state to make the alternative fuel - expand production, and possibly motivate others to enter the market. Businesses that use diesel to power vehicles and equipment, like project participant Grace Pacific, would benefit. Hawaii's environment would also see fewer harmful pollutants.
If plant residues can be converted for use as aquaculture or livestock feed, ranchers and others who raise food animals could see their costs decrease significantly.
Though small, the one-year project holds great potential for cutting the state's reliance on fossil fuels, adding biodiesel to the tools for sustainability.
The Hawaii Agriculture Research Center and the University of Hawaii-Hilo forestry and agriculture college, the only biodiesel producer in the state, a construction supply company that will run equipment emissions tests on the fuel, as well as the Oceanic Institute, which will separately study plant leftovers for use as fish food, are the partners.
The project could further spur agricultural and biodiesel production in Hawaii while reducing imports and use of fossil fuel. The collaboration amongst the groups is deemed necessary to kickstart a viable biodiesel industry on the islands. Results from the study will be interesting for other (sub)tropical countries.
Four tree crops - kukui nuts, avocado, coconut and jatropha - will be tested to see which ones yield the most oil and which oils are most suitable for conversion into fuel to either replace or blend with diesel. The research will also focus on studying the efficiency and value streams of byproducts (such as presscakes and glycerine as feed for aquaculture) and the potential to integrate the cultivation of oil crops with other agricultural activities:
biomass :: bioenergy :: biofuels :: energy :: sustainability :: kukui :: jatropha :: coconut ::avocado :: Hawaii ::
Identifying the best crops will help farmers and agricultural businesses grow feedstock in sufficient quantities. This will help Pacific Biodiesel - the Maui-based company that uses virtually all the available waste cooking oil in the state to make the alternative fuel - expand production, and possibly motivate others to enter the market. Businesses that use diesel to power vehicles and equipment, like project participant Grace Pacific, would benefit. Hawaii's environment would also see fewer harmful pollutants.
If plant residues can be converted for use as aquaculture or livestock feed, ranchers and others who raise food animals could see their costs decrease significantly.
Though small, the one-year project holds great potential for cutting the state's reliance on fossil fuels, adding biodiesel to the tools for sustainability.
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