Biodiesel@MIT

From Sustainability

Biodiesel@MIT is a student-led group working to bring biodiesel, an alternative fuel with emissions and efficiency benefits, to MIT's ccampus.

Biodiesel is plant-based and can either be made from vegetable oils or by recycling used vegetable oil (UVO) from restaurant fryers. UVO conversion consists of processing the oil with methanol and lye in order to create a fuel that is usable in diesel engines. It is then typically combined with petrodiesel for use in transportation and heating.

Biodiesel@MIT's project will produce 5,000 gallons a year of biodiesel from UVO obtained from campus dining locations. This fuel will be used to replace petrodiesel in MIT-operated shuttles. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will also benefit MIT's educational community through student involvement and research potential. The group is currently securing a location and funding for its processor and hopes to begin operations in Spring 2007.

Biodiesel@MIT's homepage can be accessed at http://web.mit.edu/mit_energy/programs/campusenergy/biodiesel