Jul 25 2005
Two biofuel projects coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) with support from the Northeast SUN Grant Center for Excellence at Cornell University will begin this summer in New York City. Their goal? A real-world assessment of the viability of biofuels both as a readily available resource and as a replacement fuel for heating buildings and powering diesel vehicles.
"The New York City projects are exciting examples of Cornell University's commitment to the environment and sustainable development," said John Nettleton, senior extension associate with the CCE.
The first project is a survey that will begin in July. Student interns from Columbia University will canvass Brooklyn neighborhoods to assess how much waste oil is available that could potentially be converted for use as fuel. Brooklyn was deemed an ideal place for this initial study, as it is an area rich with both restaurants and food processors -- all of which use oils that must be discarded after use.
Dovetailing with this survey is a demonstration project by Cornell in New York City beginning in the heating season. With funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through November 2006, boilers within a select group of apartment buildings will be operated solely on a biofuel known as B20 -- 20 percent plant product and 80 percent No. 2 heating oil. Maintenance staff, superintendents and owners will share their experience with building trade groups, cooperatives and others in the housing industry throughout New York state in using a cleaner fuel that incorporates U.S.-produced soybean and seed oils.
These projects, researchers say, hold the promise of increased markets for domestic crops, new opportunities for extension education and use of cleaner-burning fuel for heating apartments and homes that supports a new "green" industry. The results of both projects will also lead to further Cornell research into the viability of biofuel as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels.
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