 | asheville business & community directory |
|
This is an archived page that may contain outdated or incorrect information. Please visit www.Asheville.com for the latest news, events, and more.
Blue Ridge Biofuels Cooperative has opened WNC�s first publicly accessible biodiesel filling station at the Gas-Up located at 405 Haywood Road in West Asheville just off I-240 exit 2. The pump will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The 3 product pump will initially dispense B99 (99% biodiesel, 1% petroleum diesel), but will soon offer various blends, such as B50 and B75. Biodiesel is a vegetable oil based fuel that can be used in any diesel engine without modification and in oil furnaces. Biodiesel is an important alternative fuel that significantly decreases emissions from diesel vehicles, decreases dependence on foreign oil and enhances the local economy. The pump and storage tanks were funded in part through a grant from the NC Solar Center and the NC State Energy Office. To meet demand, Blue Ridge Biofuels will begin distribution of biodiesel produced in other states but plans to expand production of its own B100 using waste vegetable oil from area restaurants. Since Blue Ridge Biofuels intends to dispense biodiesel that is produced at its nearby plant, the company will be able to reduce transportation costs, offering the fuel at a more competitive price. Before installation of the new fuel dispenser and storage tanks was complete, consumers were already excited about the opportunity to purchase clean fuel. �Public response has been phenomenal!� said Director of Development Paul Beaton. �There is a large demand for biodiesel in this area and folks can hardly wait until we are able to fully serve them.� A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held by Blue Ridge Biofuels along with Julian Agbala, owner of the Gas-Up. NC State Energy Office Director Larry Shirley will be speaking about Biodiesel. State and local elected officials have been invited along with representatives from Warren Wilson College and UNCA who plan to use biodiesel in their vehicles. Blue Ridge Biofuels staff will be on hand for demonstrations and to answer questions. The Indigenous Tea House will host an after-event around 2:30 p.m. offering refreshments and a free film on early grassroots biodiesel efforts. For general information about biodiesel, see www.biodiesel.org. For questions about the opening, please contact Paul or Brian at Blue Ridge Biofuels, 828-253-1034, or email at [email protected]. (Images provided by Blue Ridge Biofuels Cooperative.)
|
