Thursday 8 December 2011

US Navy orders 450,000 gallons of biofuel

The US Navy has ordered 450,000 gallons of biofuel in a $12 million contract with Dynamic Fuels. It is the largest ever US government purchase of biofuel.

The Navy bought a blend of biofuel made from algae-based biofuel and cooking oil. This will be used in a 50-50 mix with petroleum-based diesel and aviation fuel to power the ships and aircraft in a maritime exercise off Hawaii next year.

Announcing the news with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said: "This is not only going to help the Navy … [and] our national security, but it's going to help the farmers and agriculture in the United States."

Mr Vilsack added the USA would be able to "control [its] own destiny" by using a homegrown fuel source.