Minnesota Biofuels & Alternative Energy - Weekly Green Link Roundup
Biofuels, biodiesel, excess vegetable oil, and other alternative energy sources are fast becoming a hot topic during times of exorbant petroleum fuel prices and environmental concerns. These alternative energy sources have the potential to produce cheaper and cleaner burning or carbon neutral fuel, but there is still debate of their long term viability and effectiveness.
This week’s green link roundup looks at a myriad of resources on Biofuel specific to Minnesota, providing general information on the fuels themselves, some Minnesota initiatives to implement them, places for those interested alternative fuel to exchange ideas, and some documents on what roles they play in Minnesota’s economy and natural environment.
As always, Cravings to Go and Border Foods Companies take active interest in the Minnesota environmental cause with promotions such as our “What’s Greener Than Our Guacamole” program to recycle cellphones and our roundup on the best green links for Minnesota.
Minnesota Sustainable Biofuels Program
Excellent Overview of the Minnesota clean energy program with a list of some of the various ecological conservation benefits of biofuel production in Minnesota. Also included is a link to the orginial document that outlines the Minnesota Clean Energy Program Guidelines and Standards.
Growing Better Fuels
Now more than ever, the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption and derive alternatives is at an all time high. The project Reinvest in Minnesota – Clean Energy (RIM-CE) was developed as an economic development engine for farmers to help speed the transition to sustainable energy crop production.
Minnesota Renewable Fuel Plant - MPR
Recognizing the need for alternatives, one of Minnesota’s biggest mine operators plans to build a plant that will produce renewable fuel to replace coal. The project is expected to create 25 new jobs in the Iron Range.
University of Minnesota Biofuel Research Video
The U of M has been hard at work growing various types of trees at the Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. These trees may prove to be a promising source of biofuel in the near future.
Developing an Advanced Biofuels Industry in Minnesota
Produced by Clean Energy Minnesota, this document outlines the economic, energy independence, and environmental benefits of transforming plant fiber biomass into biofuels in Minnesota. It’s also an entertaining read with a helpful glossary defining some key concepts in the field of biofuels.
Biodiesel FAQ – Minnesota Soybean
Minnesota Soybean has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Biodiesel and provides comprehensive information on beneficial Biodiesel usage, public concerns, and fuel facts.
Biodiesel Basics
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture provides a informative and concise document on the basics of Biodiesel in Minnesota. It includes information on bio-diesel sources, blends, energy usage, and about Minnesota’s own adopted biofuel requirements.
Minnesota Biodiesel Initiative Forums
Biodiesel Now is hosting a forum specifically for interested Minnesota residents to chat, schedule meetups, and exchange ideas on the Minnesota Biodiesel Initiative and Biofuels in general.
Minnesota “Veged” VW
Dave Viksna is a Minnesota resident who converted his VW to run off Vegetable Oil to save money and reduce his environmental impact. In his personal blog, he gives an honest account of his experiences, successes, and roadblocks in driving a vehicle that runs off of an alternative biofuel.
Tags: agriculture, alternative fuel sources, biofuels, biomass, minnesota alternative energy, sustainability