Worldwide Research
With growing energy demand and increasing awareness of the need for sustainable solutions, research and development of Cleaner Fuels is happening all over the globe.
In New Zealand, scientists At Lincoln University are beginning a study of potentially sustainable biodiesel plant crops to be commercially farmed within New Zealand. The university-based National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies aims to identify plant species that can be grown on marginal land and not compete with food crops or grazing.
The European Union, Hamburg, Belgium, London, and BC Transit in British Columbia are looking at replicating the HyRoad program in cities across Europe and Canada. AC Transit engineers are lending the knowledge they‘ve gained to help design the next generation of fuel cell buses — lighter in weight and even more fuel efficient.
In California, Chevron is currently conducting a pilot of Chevron Diesel with Techron D at 49 Chevron stations around Sacramento, CA. Chevron with Techron D is an Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel created specifically for diesel-powered cars and trucks with an additive that helps protect vital engine and fuel system parts while you drive.
In Washington, Chevron and Weyerhaeuser are currently studying the viability of commercialized biofuels that can transform wood fiber and other non-food sources of cellulose into clean-burning biofuels for cars and trucks. Feedstock options range from waste material from Weyerhaeuser‘s existing mill operations to recycled cardboard.
From South Africa to Qatar, the GTL Challenge recently saw GTL-powered vehicles cross 6,000 miles of Africa‘s toughest terrain in a rigorous road test.
From California to England, consumer demonstration programs with GTL blended diesel will be run by Chevron at gas stations in Sacramento and London.
At Texas A&M, research is focusing on producing biofuels from non-food crops: high-yield cellulosic crops that can produce significantly more biomass energy per acre than most alternatives. The research is also working to develop advanced biofuels processing technologies.
Other academic research is ongoing at such institutions as:
- University of California at Davis
- Georgia Tech
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels
For more on global research efforts, visit our Press Releases, Research, and Resources page.
