TDEC Tests State’s First BioDiesel Generator At McMinnville
Chattanoogan.com
Posted November 28, 2006

The Tennessee Air Pollution Control Board, Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on Tuesday monitored emissions testing for Tennessee’s first-ever BioDiesel fueled power generator.

The test concluded a research and development project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, spearheaded by Congressman Lincoln Davis and coordinated by McMinnville (TN) Electric System (MES).

Participants include EmeraChem, Stowers/Caterpillar, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the National BioDiesel Board (NBB), the American Public Power Association (APPA), Agri-Energy and the Tennessee Soybean Growers Association.

Congressman Lincoln Davis said of the project, "As we confront our energy situation, we must recognize the realities of today and the demands of tomorrow. It's vital to the security and future of the United States that we invest in and develop alternative sources of energy.

"MES, through their commitment to making us energy independent, is investing in America's infrastructure and putting Tennessee farmers to work. I applaud their efforts."

BioDiesel is a renewable fuel made from soybean oil that burns cleaner and reduces the health risk associated with petroleum diesel.

The McMinnville BioDiesel Generation Facility has thus far consumed approximately 100,000 gallons of BioDiesel, which represents 2,041 acres of soybean production for Tennessee farmers.

Rodney Boyd, general manager of MES, is working with TVA to bring about recognition of the economic and agricultural benefits of the project and have the use of biodiesel included in TVA’s Green Power Switch® portfolio of renewable power generation, officials said.

To date, MES has run the unmodified 2,000 kilowatt Caterpillar generator more hours on 100% BioDiesel than anyone else in America. Of the 158 distributors of TVA power, McMinnville Electric System is one of only three to own power generation.