The county is set to embark on a pilot project to test how locally produced biodiesel may soon relieve rocketing fuel costs, curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce a dependence on imported oil, officials said this week. The plan entails
The county is set to embark on a pilot project to test how locally produced biodiesel may soon relieve rocketing fuel costs, curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce a dependence on imported oil, officials said this week.
The plan entails mixing regular petroleum diesel with a fuel made from mostly recycled vegetable oil at a plant in Hanapepe. A 20 percent biodiesel blend will be used in a county truck for a two-month evaluation period, County Engineer Donald Fujimoto told County Council on Wednesday at the Historic County Building.
“This should be more than ample to get some results,” he said. “With gas prices soaring and our fossil fuel supply diminishing, most people would agree that we need to find a cheaper way to fuel our economy.”
Kapa‘a resident Adam Asquith, of Kaua‘i Farm Fuel, made the project possible by donating 500 gallons of biodiesel and lending the county a fuel container with a dispenser.
The project will start when the tank is delivered, which Asquith said should happen by the end of next week.
“At one time, all this oil and grease had to be shipped off-island,” he said. “We’re stoked we can keep it on island and turn it into a usable resource.”
County Councilman Jay Furfaro encouraged the Public Works Department to make this plan known to the restaurant industry, which uses a significant amount of cooking oil, “so the whole circle is complete.”
Biodiesel costs roughly 20 cents less than bulk nonhighway petroleum diesel, Asquith said.
Kaua‘i Farm Fuel has indicated that it can provide enough biodiesel at a 20 percent blend to meet the county’s needs, Fujimoto said.
The county uses 155,000 gallons of diesel annually, not including the bus service. Diesel fuel comprises 60 percent of the county’s overall fuel use.
Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura said the project was “really commendable.” Looking ahead, she said it could serve as a “wonderful promotion” for The Kaua‘i Bus.
Fujimoto said the evaluation period will involve monitoring and documenting fuel consumption, effects on fuel filters and other issues.
After pointing at the list of environmental benefits, the engineer noted some of the disadvantages of biofuel — such as its ability to degrade natural rubber gaskets and hoses found in some older vehicles, clog fuel filters and produce slightly less power and provide slightly less fuel efficiency.
Biodiesel can run in unmodified diesel engines, Fujimoto said, including cars, buses trucks, construction equipment, boats and generators.
Kaua‘i Farm Fuel has been producing biodiesel for six months, Asquith said, serving some 20 regular customers ranging from small farmers using 40 gallons per month to large contractors going through 400 gallons a month.
Some customers have been using it for a long time, previously importing it from Maui and O‘ahu, he said.
Kaua‘i Farm Fuel is permitted and regulated as a recycling operation, Asquith said.
County Councilman Tim Bynum called the project “a true win-win.
“I’m thrilled that the county is taking advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
Mayor Bryan Baptiste supports the pilot program, but said there is nothing in the 2009 budget to further develop it. It is unlikely that the project will be ready for expansion before the next budget cycle, he said.
• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.
