Abercrombie introduces Biodiesel Crop Research Project

KANEOHE, HI, UNITED STATES

02.09.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Vanessa American Horse 

Marine Corps Base Hawaii

A project that is expected to help reduce dependence on fossil fuels kicked off here Feb. 4.

The 24-month research project will focus on sustainable local agricultural technologies, such as oil-crop production, in a move toward fuel security.

“Marine Corps Base Hawaii has taken the lead in the race for renewable energy solutions and security in the state. We need a strong partnership between the military and the state if we want our economy to survive,” said Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
The Biodiesel Crop Demonstration Project is a combined effort between Pacific Biodiesel, Inc., the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center, and Army Installation Management Command, Pacific.

Joining Abercrombie to announce the project were MCB Hawaii Commanding Officer Col. Jeffrey Woods, Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono and Kelly King, vice president, Pacific Biodiesel, Inc. Abercrombie initiated a $2.4 million appropriation for the project during his time as a Hawaii congressman.

“We’re the most oil dependent state in the country, spending $7 billon annually. I’d rather see that money circulating in our economy. It’s time to say Aloha to fossil fuels and sustain our people here,” said Hirono, who also mentioned the project’s importance to national security.

The first step of the project is locating suitable land to grow biofuel crops. Pacific Biodiesel is looking at sites on the Big Island, Maui and central Oahu. Plants will be selected based on the geographical climate. Kukui nut and sunflower oils are best suited for Hawaiian meteorological conditions, according to Eileen O’Hara who handles business development for Big Island Biodiesel.

“We have to use a short term crop since we only have 24 months for the project. We’re deciding between wetlands with high rainfall or dry land, by incorporating irrigation techniques,” O’Hara said.

The BDC project funds the purchase of new specialty equipment needed to harvest the biodiesel fuels, such as extractors. Most of the machinery will be the only equipment of its kind in Hawaii. After the project is done, the equipment will continue to be used locally.

Abercrombie said the BCD project will demonstrate the potential for commercial scale oil seed crop production in Hawaii, as well as expand the capability of the U.S. military to significantly advance its renewable fuel usage and enhance energy security, while supporting the energy goals set by the Department of Defense and the state.

“Here at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, we have our own ambitious goal. To have self-sustaining, on-site energy generation by 2015, with an emphasis on renewable power sources such as biodiesel. We also want to be able to generate excess power to improve the power surety to the local community, as well as our installations,” Woods said.

Currently MCB Hawaii operates it’s own recycling center, turns used cooking oil from chow halls into biodiesel fuel, powers homes with electricity generated from solar power and has incorporated a ‘bring your own bag’ campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags on base. These are just a few examples of the Marines’ efforts to preserve the environment and conserve resources

Other services are doing their part and making a difference in Hawaii.

"The U.S. Army in Hawaii is actively involved in the recycling of used cooking oils from its installations and have helped coordinate the efforts of Pacific Biodiesel to pick up used cooking oils on the Air Force, Navy and Marine installations in Hawaii," said Larry Reilly, Public Affairs Officer, IMCOM-Pacific Region. "This project directly supports the U.S. Army and State of Hawaii's renewable energy goals identified in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.”

• Date Taken: 02.09.2011
• Date Posted: 02.09.2011 15:55
• Story ID: 65091
• Location: KANEOHE, HI, US