I always get slightly disappointed when I see folks go backward in their thinking and return to their old ways. Kind of
Reports Of Biodiesel's Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated…
like we're slipping back into the bog from where we came…
Sorry getting carried away there.
So I figured I'd ask YOU dear reader, what you thought about the current economy and the fact that over a third of biodiesel plants in the US have closed over the past few months.
And you responded in your droves. So good to have so many bright folks reading my insignificant ezine.
Some of your tales and thoughts were optimistic and inspiring, others a harsh reality check.
I thank you all and hope you stay in touch as we get through this economic blip (see, now I'm being optimistic!)
Here are the high (and low) lights…
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Yes. Things have negatively changed for bio-fuel (Bio-diesel and Ethanol), in general, the world over.
Governments have failed to:
1- Create a market for bio-fuel by mandating "all" vehicles sold be flex fuel capable.
2- Create national standards/laws for converting existing vehicles to flex fuel capability.
3- Create tax advantages for bio-fuel sale and production over patroleum.
I see major spikes in oil and natural gas prices in the next few years as worldwide demand continues to spiral upwards and overall production starts to fall.
I also see countries who import most of their oil being manipulated by countries who export oil and natural gas.
Bio-fuel has to be a major "component" of any nations overall energy policy.
Richard O
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Hey Matt, All my Bio equipment is packed in my shed, I think its a matter of time before prices go skyhigh again. I have about 100 gallons of feedstock sitting .
The economy is so bad here some people I know are really hurting. I've been buying and selling cars to make ends meet.The towing business is really slow.
I wish the govt. would bail out my business.
Chris M
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Matt,
Hay, keep your pantyhose on. Damn prices are on the rise and this time its goin to be a larger problem. It will cost much more. I will bet $5 per gal. in two years.
These, what some call low prices will not last. These same people can't even remember a real price of a dollar or so. We all need to use this time to prepair for the worst, and it will happen . . .
We must also remember the oil companies cranking up the prices so damn high that their actions threw the whole world econmy into this rotten tail spin. Now the US govt is giving away billions to the same slobs that caused the problem. Don't ever forget that ! Try to get just one of those dollars and you find yourself in a bit of trouble.
So prepare now. Remember, DO NOT sell your
product as the wondeful govt will impose all sorts of fines, tax, license cost, etc. As an example look at Texas ans New Mexico where Bio is the same price as pump gas is now and will keep pace. Why? Grow up, the govt wants a share, a tax.
On a limited budget and with no diesel car or truck ?
That's the sales question.
Hot water heater, tanks and pumps and the lot.
Then we need to find the used oil.
Then we need something to drive and burn it in.
From a guy that drove a Cadillac working as an insurance broker to driving a diesel ?
Living in an apartment ?
Need to buy a house with a garage to place the stuff in.
Look at all the stuff you have to do first. Is it worth it ? You better know it is.
Joel J
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It's simple man … the cost of fuel went down! When the gas prices hit
$4+ per gallon … then bio-diesel will come back!
Tim L
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I agree with your comment about the decline in biodiesel production. The folks that I new of making production levels of biodiesel have pretty much stopped making it.
As for myself I still try to produce a small volume, however to biggest limiting factor is the cost of materials (methanol and sodium hydroxide) which have tripled in price over the past 7 months. Why is this? how are the prices of there in your neck of the woods?
Here methanol is $300 per 55 gallons and NaOH is $60 per bag/55Lbs. This makes my cost per gallon of finished biodiesel around $1.50 and I get my oil for free. It seems to me that there are some greedy bastards in the chemical industry that feel they need a bigger piece of the pie. In fact my chemical supplier that I have been using for 1.5 years refuses to sell me chemicals now and I was a perfect customer due to the fact that I would pick-up all of the chemicals from their facility and pay on the spot. I don't get it!!!! Turning away business?
Jason S
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Hi Matt,
It is true that the price of crude oil dropped but it has started going up again hitting $71 last week.
No matter how hard we try, biodiesel cannot completely replace diesel even as the production of low sulphur diesel is increasing.
I am of the opinion that biodiesel isn't dead just because the price of crude oil dropped. It will go up again. Let us continue to work and not focus on the price of crude oil but on our environment.
Chris E
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Matt: Don't give up the goat yet. Diesel prices are inching up again as the Greedy oil people get greeder. I have parked my truck as good ole Arnold has doubled the license fees as the price of diesel goes up. We need more biodiesel plants over here to drive down prices again.
Carl S
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I have been watching the price of diesel at the pumps. Last week I saw a small increase and today it is still up in that range. I reside and work in Michigan so being at the very bottom of the tanked economy, I feel the only way is up and that is where we are going. I do know that our biodiesel plant is the last one standing and operating in Michigan. Our output is not that great, but we are still selling it. We have a 20-million gallon capacity plant and we are nowhere near that production level.
Lance S
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And there were many more passionate, witty comments. Want to add anything? Feel free and use your voice below…
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