Survey Says: Soladiesel Algae Fuel Is a Monster Hit in Propel Fuels Retail Trial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sales increase 35 percent at participating test sites — and survey results reveal driver preference for algae-based Soladiesel over conventional fuels.
In California, Propel Fuels and Solazyme announced that sales grew by 35 percent at Propel stations, offering SoladieselBD in a B20 blend during a 30-day retail pilot program, compared to non-test sites.
…In addition, a follow-on consumer preference study with Propel’s customers found 92 percent of participants noted that they would be more likely to purchase algae-derived fuel for its environmental benefits; 70 percent indicated that they would purchase the fuel more frequently if it were derived from algae; and nearly 40 percent of customers indicated they would pay a premium for algae-derived fuel.
The pilot program marked the first commercial availability of algal derived fuels — and in the pilot program, SoladieselBD B20 was retailed at a parity price with conventional diesel fuel.
… Life Cycle Associates, an independent greenhouse gas measurement firm, determined that Soladiesel provides an 85-93% greenhouse gas emissions reduction when compared to conventional petroleum-based diesel. In addition, testing by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) indicates that in a 20 percent blend, SoladieselBD significantly outperforms ultra-low sulfur diesel in total hydrocarbons (THC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter tailpipe emissions. This includes an approximate 30 percent reduction in particulates, a 20 percent reduction in CO and an approximate 10 percent reduction in THC. READ MORE and MORE (Biodiesel Magazine) and MORE (AltEnergyStocks)
SoladieselBD® is a Fatty Acid Methyl Ester-based (FAME) fuel. READ MORE
