Alternative Fuels

Article (2)
  • Retrofitting fossil fuel-fired boilers with biomass gasifiers
    The delay of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) until 2013 certainly slows investment in the renewable energy sector and favours only highly profitable/low CapEx projects. Despite the ETS delay, there are two incentives remaining for energy consumers to cut fossil fuel consumption: rising fuel prices and the generation of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
  • Alternative fuels: investing in the future
    Peak oil and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions mean that Australia will have no choice but to rely on alternative fuels in the future. Research suggests there are a number of alternatives that can bridge the gap, but a substantial investment in infrastructure is required before they are commercially available.
Feature (3)
  • Clean algae biofuel project
    Australian scientists are achieving the world's best production rates of oil from algae grown in open saline ponds, taking them a step closer to creating commercial quantities of clean biofuel for the future. Construction of a multimillion-dollar pilot plant in WA’s north-west will start in January.
  • The hype surrounding hydrogen
    As fuel prices spike across the globe, many large transport manufacturers are in the stages of developing alternative fuel sources. According to reports, hydrogen is at the forefront of this development as it is an environmentally cleaner source of energy to end users, particularly in transportation applications, as it does not release pollutants or greenhouse gases. Sustainability Matters talks to a global expert in liquid and compressed hydrogen fuelling systems about the latest developments in hydrogen fuel cells.
  • The importance of using alternative fuels
    Dirk Lechtenberg from MVW Lechtenberg & Partners, spoke to Sustainability Matters about the importance of alternative fuels and the impact on Australia's relationship with Germany after Australia's refusal to sign Kyoto
Product (4)
  • Technologies capture coal for cleaner fuels
    Australia is rich in coal resources, but relies on imported oil products for its transportation energy needs. Linc Energy’s combined underground coal gasification (UCG) and gas to liquids (GTL) technologies could provide an opportunity for Australia to produce its own liquid fuels and bolster the nation’s energy security.
  • Biodiesel analysis
    The iCAP 6000 Series of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometers can be used for monitoring elemental contaminants in biodiesel. The dedicated radial plasma view configuration of the system provides enhanced analytical capabilities for important elements such as sulfur and phosphorus while the enhanced matrix tolerance (EMT) torch and swing frequency RF generator easily handle organic matrix samples and ensure improved stability.
  • Flowmeter for biofuel and biomethane applications
    Fluid Components International has released its Model ST51 mass flowmeter for owners, operators and manufacturers of biogas production and methane capture and recovery systems. These users will find the unit provides features required of these applications in an explosion-proof instrument that is easy to install, safe and requires virtually no maintenance.
  • Biodiesel analysis
    The iCAP 6000 Series of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometers can be used for monitoring elemental contaminants in biodiesel.
News (42)
  • Dutch electric car project paves the way for Australia
    As Australia launches its first public electric car charging station in Sydney, Logica has announced it is working with the Dutch e-laad.nl foundation company to lay down the national infrastructure necessary to roll out 10,000 charging stations for electric cars in the Netherlands. In one of the world’s first major electric car trials, Logica’s systems will provide the backbone for a range of services that will be developed for clients using the charging stations.
  • Dunedin launches biodiesel consortium
    Dunedin is to be the first city in New Zealand to launch a community biodiesel initiative that will make biodiesel available to anyone who joins the consortium.
  • World-first study for cleaner aviation fuel
    CSIRO, together with Australasia’s major aviation players, is leading a world-first study to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air transport by helping to develop a sustainable aviation fuels industry.
  • Geothermal project to produce clean energy and fresh water
    RMIT University researchers are developing new technology to meet two of the greatest challenges facing Australia today, through an all-in-one geothermal system that can simultaneously produce clean electricity and drinking water.
  • Sugar research sweetens biofuels progress
    Two forward-looking corporations have teamed up to develop the potential production of biodiesel fuel from renewable products such as sugarcane waste, woodchips and more.
  • New soybean biodiesel plant approved for the Illawarra
    Australian company National Biodiesel has been granted development approval for a $243 million soybean processing and biodiesel production facility to be located in Port Kembla, creating over 1000 new jobs.
  • Toyota kicks off pilot production of home-grown hybrid
    The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr has congratulated Toyota on starting pilot production of the first home-grown hybrid.
  • ExxonMobil to launch biofuels program
    Exxon Mobil Corporation has announced an alliance with a leading biotech company, Synthetic Genomics Inc, to research and develop next-generation biofuels from photosynthetic algae.
  • Grain-to-ethanol refinery begins production
    Australia’s first grain-to-ethanol refinery has begun production in Queensland, with an expected output of more than 80 million litres a year.
  • Algae to fuel
    The production of biodiesel from algae could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help to address future fuel shortages and create jobs in rural Australia.
  • Couple travel around Australia on waste vegetable oil
    Australian-born Gerard Mimmo and his English wife Rachel left their fast-paced corporate lives behind to embark on a pioneering 36,000 km expedition around the continent, running their car on waste vegetable oil (WVO) collected from fish and chip and takeaway shops along the way.
  • University backs calls for the establishment of national biofuels centre
    Southern Cross University has backed calls for the establishment of a national biofuels centre.
  • $10,000 biodiesel research grant winner announced
    A project aiming to develop biodiesel feedstock that does not compete with food crops and can be grown in dry conditions has won the $10,000 Case IH Biodiesel Research Grant.
  • Australia’s first hydrogen racing car unveiled at RMIT
    RMIT University researchers have unveiled Australia’s first hydrogen-powered racing car, in a project that demonstrates the incredible possibilities of hydrogen as the clean, renewable fuel of the future.
  • Infrastructure plans for electric vehicles
    Better Place today announced agreements with AGL Energy and Macquarie Capital Group to begin deploying an electric vehicle (EV) network, powered by renewable energy.
  • Grant to promote biodiesel research
    Case IH has announced a $10,000 grant for biodiesel research or trials.
  • Australian company forms US subsidiary
    Perth-based green energy company, Eden Energy Limited, has established a United States subsidiary to lead the production and promotion of hydrogen as the emissions-free fuel of choice for a new generation of vehicles and businesses.
  • ‘Fuel for thought’ on transport sector challenges
    A report on how Australia can best respond to the environmental and economic challenges arising from its dependence on fossil fuels for transport is being released in Melbourne.
  • Fossil fuels to power vehicles to 2050
    Despite high world oil prices and major efforts to develop alternative fuels, the world’s car fleet will continue to be powered predominantly by fossil fuels over the next 40 to 50 years, according to the director general of the world’s peak motoring body, David Ward.
  • Government grants for two renewable energy projects
    The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, has announced more than $8 million in grants for two renewable energy projects from the Australian government’s Renewable Energy Development Initiative.
  • Bioplastics association launch
    An association dedicated to promoting plastics that are biodegradable, compostable and based on renewable resources is set to represent the industry and provide a streamlined view on issues relating to the benefits of bioplastics in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Fleet drives transport into a greener future
    The Panasonic World Solar Challenge (PWSC) is back this month (21-28 October) and is celebrating its 20th anniversary with another 3000 km journey straight down Australia’s desert belly, on the Stuart Highway — from Darwin, Northern Territory to Adelaide, South Australia.
  • Potential growth for Australian biofuels and bioproducts
    A range of biologically-based products — from speciality chemicals to biodegradable plastics and packaging materials produced from plants instead of petroleum — offers new opportunities for Australian farmers.
  • Biofuel demonstration flight
    Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, has said it will fly one of its Boeing 747s on biofuel during a demonstration flight.
  • Production costs of advanced biofuels are similar to grain-ethanol
    Second-generation biorefineries like those making biofuel from lignocellulosic feedstocks such as straw, grasses and wood have long been touted as the successor to today's grain ethanol plants, but until now the technology has been considered too expensive to compete. However, recent increases in grain prices mean that production costs are now similar for grain ethanol and second-generation biofuels, according to a paper published in the first edition of Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining.
  • Ford takes on fuel challenge
    How much would it cost to drive a family sedan around mainland Australia? Ford Australia believes it can be done for about $1000 in fuel costs.
  • Companies team up to form next-generation carbon sink business
    Patersons Capital Partners (PCP) plans to examine the potential to establish one of the world’s largest new-generation carbon sequestration and bioenergy businesses.
  • Alternative fuel proves to be more cost effective than fossil fuels
    Biodieselathome.net, a company aimed at spreading information about alternative fuels has introduced instructions for making inexpensive alternative fuels at home.
  • Industry leaders say yes to biofuels
    The federal government and the four major car manufacturers have made recent announcements to actively support and encourage a biofuels industry in Australia.
  • Caltex signs contract for Dalby ethanol
    Caltex and Dalby Bio-Refinery Limited (DBRL) have announced a major contract for supply of ethanol from DBRL's new ethanol plant to be built at Dalby in Queensland's Darling Downs.
  • Six out of 10 support cash incentives for climate-friendly cars
    More than six out of 10 New Zealanders back a policy proposal to provide Government cash grants to people buying fuel efficient, low emission cars.
  • $75 million for ethanol plant
    Australian Ethanol has announced a $75 million capital to fund the construction of a 100 million litre per year fuel ethanol plant in Swan Hill, Victoria.
  • Biodiesel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    Using pure biodiesel or blending biodiesel with standard fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, according to a CSIRO report.
  • US ethanol mandate is a massive step
    In a ground-breaking move that will reverberate to Australia, President Bush has signed the energy bill which requires a five-fold increase in the use of transport fuels — most of which will be ethanol.
  • Joint venture into biodiesel production
    Transpacific Industries Group (TPI) and Australian Renewable Fuels (ARF) have formed a 50/50 unincorporated joint venture to develop a biodiesel production facility in Brisbane, Queensland.
  • Government introduces biofuels legislation
    The government will introduce the Biofuels Bill into Parliament, which will bring into force the biofuels sales obligation.
  • Biofuel facility set to open in 2007
    Renewable energy producer Axiom Energy Ltd is building a 150 million litre a year biodiesel facility at the Geelong Port.
  • Potential for biofuels discussed
    The Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST) will hold its annual Conference ‘Biofuels: From Paddock to Pump’ on 19 October 2006 at the Heritage Hotel in Canberra.
  • Boost for green fuel production
    The Ensus Group has announced that it has secured investment for the ‘world-scale green fuels’ facility, which plans an annual production capacity of 400 million L.
  • Australia's largest organics collection trial
    Having started in September 2005, almost 1800 Burnside households are participating in a large scale organics waste collection trial, with the aim being to understand the community's use and acceptance of new technology and determine the system's potential to reduce household organic waste going to landfill.
  • Broadening the horizon for biofuels
    New Zealand needs to explore novel sources for producing biofuels if it is to play a greater role in meeting our energy needs, according to researchers at the University of Auckland.
  • Australian-based environmental technology goes worldwide
    Garry Baker, CEO of Australian-based environmental technology developer Ozmotech, has announced the finalisation of a new corporate structure to manage the international operations of the ThermoFuel plastics-to-diesel system.
Case Study (3)
  • SA company certified Greenhouse Friendly
    A South Australian company has become the first waste-to-energy company in Australia to be certified Greenhouse Friendly by the Department of Climate Change. SITA ResourceCo Alternative Fuels underwent rigorous independent verification to achieve its new status.
  • Optimising the biodiesel fuel process
    In these times of rising fuel prices and changing climate, the search for alternatives to fossil fuels has gained high priority. Franhofer researchers have developed a new process for converting rapeseed oil into biodiesel. Enzymes make it possible
  • Fuel alcohol from pea starch?
    So you don't like eating peas? Then how about fuelling your car or truck with them? That's a possibility Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are exploring - using a type of fuel called ethanol, made from the legume's starch
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