From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

When it comes to biodiesel, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably not nearly as versed in the new and exciting technology.  There are so many things I do not know, that I should know, I had no idea about and was rather shocked to discover.  Again, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably feel the exact same way.

One of the most surprising things, that I guess I just did not think about, is that sunflowers are currently being used in oil production and to make biodiesel.  I guess I did not know exactly what was being used to create it, but for some reason it was not sunflowers that instantly popped into my mind.  What’s even more exciting is, scientists are now working on research that will see how productve two different types of sunflowers can be in the actual creation of ethanol.  If they are as productive as some theorize, the two sunflower breeds that can grow as high as 21 feet tall, might be able to produce cellulosic biomass, which can be converted into ethanol.  In short…good news.

The tricky part comes as scientists have to go through some 40-50,000 genes in order to attempt domestication of the plant.  According to the article, however, he has plenty of time and help to find out as he “has received $1.2 million from the US Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense, $500,000 from seed companies, and $400,000 from the USDA Plant Genome program.” No matter what, this could be a great thing and could also provide a way for many Georgia farmers, a hotbed for this type of sunflower, some extra income all while helping the planet in the end.  We shall see!