Biodiesel moving into mainstream

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2004

Hunter Orchards co-owner John Tannaci aboard the unmodified tractor he has been running on biodiesel fuel. Bottles of the fuel sit atop the engine.

By Paul Boerger

Rudolph Diesel invented the diesel engine in 1895 and his demonstration fuel at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition was peanut oil.

Diesel engines were modified early in the 20th century to run on petroleum products due to lower cost.

Now, more than 100 years later, the diesel engine is beginning to see a resurgence of biodiesel fuel.

Biodiesel fuels can be refined from a variety of resources including soybean, canola, sunflower and cottonseed oils, and animal fats.

The reality of running diesel engines on alternate fuels is moving into the mainstream.
Hunter Orchards co-owner John Tannaci aboard the unmodified tractor he has been running on biodiesel fuel. Bottles of the fuel sit atop the engine.

In Siskiyou County, Gazelle organic peach farmer John Tannaci is running his unmodified John Deer tractor on a soybean based biodiesel fuel.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, early studies have shown that depending on the percentage mix, diesel engines run with biodiesel show significant reductions in carbon monoxide, particulate and sulfate emissions.

"We're trying to build infrastructure by creating a demand," said Tannaci, whose Hunter Orchards is certified organic.

Tannaci, in conjunction with Shasta Energy Group, hopes to work with local fuel supplier Cross Petroleum to get reasonably priced biodiesel available locally.

Tannaci said his biodiesel fuel costs are 60 cents a gallon more than petrodiesel.

Tannaci says he is running a 50/50 mix of biodiesel and petrodiesel, but that he will move toward a 100 percent biodiesel soon.

"We're breaking it in easy," Tannaci said. "We'll be using it in our delivery trucks as we bring our crops to market. If we reduced our oil imports just 20 percent, maybe we wouldn't be in Iraq."

Tannaci said he envisions soybeans or some other biodiesel plant being grown in Siskiyou County for a significant advance in local energy independence.

SEG executive director Meadow Barr agrees.

"Today's current events have brought to light the US dependency on foreign oil," Barr said. "To curb dependency on foreign oil, we feel that a proven alternative fuel source is needed."

Barr echoed claims that biodiesel reduces emissions.

"Pure biodiesel is also completely biodegradable and non-toxic to plants, animals and humans," she said.

Barr invites the public to become a part of bringing biodiesel into the mainstream.

She said, "To explore the possible demand for biodiesel, Cross Petroleum encourages interested individuals to contact them and let them know you're interested in a local biodiesel re-fueling station."

To contact Cross Petroleum, call 530-221-2588 or write to PO Box 492200, Redding CA 96049.

One of the common myths about biodiesel is that french fry grease or similar cooking after-products can be poured directly into diesel engines for a cheap clean burning fuel.

In reality, biodiesel fuels must go through a refining process and are regulated by industry guidelines to insure proper performance.

Although biodiesel re-fueling stations are few, the EPA reports that more than 40 federal and state vehicle fleets are using biodiesel fuels in their existing diesel engines.

Reported drawbacks to biodiesel fuel are that nitrogen oxide emissions are increased and wear on hoses and lines is increased in older engines.

Courtesy of Mount Shasta Herald