New Equipment Can Help Researchers Brew Biofuel

CLEMSON, SC – September 7, 2010 – A new piece of equipment for the Clemson University biosystems engineering program will help researchers conduct novel research on new biomass sources, such as algae and fungi, that may supply biofuels of the future.

“The new $125,000 mobile biofuels processing plant delivered from Piedmont Biofuels in North Carolina is a state-of-the-art pilot facility that will not only give us a valuable research tool for working with plants, microbes and waste oils, but also will be useful to demonstrate biofuels production for local producers, bioenergy industrial partners and to the public,” said biosystems engineer Terry Walker. “We had our initial successful run last week using waste algal and sunflower oils from Martek Biosciences in Kingstree and then used the biofuel to cycle back to a generator to achieve net-zero production.”

The plant is being developed to convert waste oils to high-grade biodiesel that can be used in many vehicles. The biodiesel is expected to cost less than regular diesel fuel, has a lower “carbon footprint” or environmental impact and can form the basis for a new industry in the state.

Walker said support for the purchase came from many sources, including Clemson Public Service Activities; the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences and others at Clemson; Piedmont Biofuels in Pittsboro, N.C.; and SunStor Inc. in Greer.

The new mobile facility will be showcased at the annual biomass meeting this fall at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center. The meeting is being sponsored by Clemson University, the South Carolina State Energy Office and the Biomass Council.

“South Carolina is fairly visible in the U.S. biofuels industry, Walker said. There are several manufacturers, including Ecogy Biofuels in Estill and Carolina Biofuels in Taylors, as well as other smaller producers like Midlands Biofuels in Winnsboro.

Smaller, innovative, local companies not only are making biodiesel but also are participating in outreach efforts, such as designing and building pilot facilities for universities and training folks at local community colleges for green jobs.”