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Brad Biddle (brad@desertbiofuels.org) / Eric Johnson (eric@desertbiofuels.org) ASU SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste.

Desert Biofuels Initiative, Inc.: a non-profit social venture advancing sustainable regional biofuels through policy analysis, education and applied research projects. Brad Biddle (brad@desertbiofuels.org) / Eric Johnson (eric@desertbiofuels.org)

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Brad Biddle (brad@desertbiofuels.org) / Eric Johnson (eric@desertbiofuels.org) ASU SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste.

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  1. Desert Biofuels Initiative, Inc.: a non-profit social venture advancing sustainable regional biofuels through policy analysis, education and applied research projects Brad Biddle (brad@desertbiofuels.org) / Eric Johnson (eric@desertbiofuels.org) ASU SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste. 200 Scottsdale AZ 85257 480.205.2740 http://desertbiofuels.org

  2. The case for sustainable regional biofuelsBiofuels that are created locally, from sustainable feedstock, and used locally • Environmental • Improve air quality, more • WVO (restaurant grease), algae feedstocks much better than corn, soy • Economic development • Keep fuel dollars in region; create jobs • Regional economic security, safety • Local fuel sources mitigate disruption risk • National security • Reduce dependence on foreign oil We have all the right ingredients in AZ: innovative entrepreneurs, cutting-edge biofuels research, forward-looking policymakers, leading sustainability and science policy analysts, active & motivated grassroots community.

  3. Who we are DBI: Eric Johnson (Co-Founder; Operations), Sam West (Acting Executive Director), Brad Biddle (Co-Founder; Policy) Plus an amazing group of key strategic advisors, including: Francine Hardaway, Ph.D (Stealthmode, American Biofuels Council), Mark Edwards, Ph.D (ASU, author, Green Algae Strategy), Dave Conz, Ph.D (ASU CSPO), Kathy Sacks (Sacks PR), Sandy Askland (ASU Law), Hans Huth (author, biod101), Dan O’Neill (ASU Technopolis), Colleen Crowninshield (Tucson Clean Cities) Plus our ASU TVSG partners and other interns: E.g. - Carrie Thomson-Jones, Pete Arambula, Eric Menkhus (Director, Tech Ventures Services Group), Sarah Howe

  4. Desert Biofuels Workshop White papers Legal environment AZ feedstock analysis Biofuels incentives AZ biofuels news (blog) Algae demonstration plant project proposal Algae biofuels wiki Analysis re WVO co-op benefits for municipalities Proposal for WVO biofuels incentive program What we’ve done

  5. What is Biodiesel? Biodiesel is a liquid fuel made from plant or animal fats/oil (e.g. used fryer oil) mixed with an alcohol (ethanol or methanol) in the presence of a catalyst (lye or potash). It can only be used in diesel engines, not standard gasoline engines. The by-product of the biodiesel transesterification reaction is glycerol (soap, glycerin, alcohol). Another by-product is post-processing soapy wash water.

  6. Why would anyone want to make their own fuel? • Environmental concerns – running biodiesel vs. petroleum diesel represents a 78% reduction in “lifetime” CO2 emission when using virgin oil (even better for WVO). • Recycling in action – turning “trash” (WVO) into “treasure” • Security concerns – running “domestic” fuel, self-sufficiency • Cost – materials costs as low as $1/gallon • Fun – interesting hobby, satisfaction

  7. Why wouldn’t anyone want to make their own fuel? • Time – collecting oil, assembling equipment, processing fuel, disposing of by-products • Cost – hundreds to thousands of dollars • Safety concerns – dealing with methanol, base catalysts, oily rags, materials storage • Zoning/Fire codes – being a good neighbor • Insurance – homeowners, renters • Legal and tax issues – although ostensibly legal, these considerations plus tax implications leave plenty of “gray” area

  8. Evolution of a homebrewer • Reading – books, Internet • Buying commercial B99 (biodiesel blend) • Test batches – “Dr. Pepper” • Connecting locally – Dynamite Biofuels Co-op • Scaling up • Becoming “self-sufficient” • Problems with success • Getting “right sized”

  9. “Homebrew” incidents • Surprise, AZ – Aug 2008: oily rags, not biodiesel, ignited and caused a methanol explosion and fire • Ahwatukee, AZ – Nov 2008: homebrewer is shutdown due to neighbor complaints • Gilbert, AZ “Homemade Biodiesel Information Sheet” and the Arizona Emergency Response Commission

  10. Some final thoughts on homebrewing • DIY, self-sufficient culture admirable • Decentralized model of fuel production shows alternatives to petroleum • “Running code” test met • Clean, waste-feedstock biofuels on road now • Grassroots movement has advanced commercial biofuels • Liberty: freedom to act absent unreasonable risk to others • Dialog is essential

  11. Questions?

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