Biodiesel program at Clemson named Energy Project of the Year

Published: November 17, 2011

By Evan Lybrand

CLEMSON — The biodiesel program at Clemson University has been named the Energy Project of the Year by the Association of South Carolina Energy Managers.

The biodiesel initiative was started with the goal to convert diesel-powered vehicles to use more biodiesel made from cooking oil collected from dining halls and local businesses. The vehicles and equipment in university Facilities landscaping and utility services use 20 percent biodiesel now. The plan is to increase that to 100 percent.

Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel fuel. It is made from renewable sources such as vegetable oil, animal fats, cooking oil and even algae. At Clemson, the cooking oil is taken to the BioEnergy Lab in McAdams Hall, where students work with instructors and staff to convert the cooking oil into fuel. This work is done in a facility that is powered 100 percent by renewable energy.

“With innovative research on emerging alternative fuel sources and the continuing support of the Clemson facilities staff, our percentage of renewable fuel consumed will continue to increase, improving Clemson's environment and establishing Clemson University as a leader in renewable fuels research and implementation,” said David Thornton, research associate for the biosystems engineering program.

Vehicles need no modifications to use the biodiesel fuel, which is distributed from a 1,000-gallon tank at the university lumber yard. The program has the potential to save $8,000 to $9,000 a year and keep 70,000 pounds of carbon from reaching the atmosphere.

The biodiesel program is part of a larger sustainability initiative at Clemson.

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