Here is a bit from a recent article in the Financial Review by the former Liberal MP Michael Baume. The article is supporting ethanol in Australia -

But probably the most worrying response to the government's determination to achieve its (hardly heroic) target of lifting ethanol's share of the automotive fuel market from 0.1 per cent to 0.7 per cent by 2010, comes from analysts who claim the industry's viability remains uncertain in the face of fluctuating oil prices. Ethanol is competitive with petrol as long as the crude oil price ranges between $US30 to $35 a barrel. But it will not remain competitive below $US50 if the government does not continue to exempt ethanol from the 38 cents a litre fuel excise.

And judging from last Friday's comment from sugar company CSR that it will not make any major new investments in ethanol fuel production in the near future, despite the government's encouragement an assurance on this excise concession may be needed. After all, there is clear justification for an excise on petrol, particularly that being produced locally from our national asset of diminishing oil reserves; excise is a reasonable economic rent.

But ethanol is not a wasting asset; it is derived from a primary product that is renewable. Just as there is a socially beneficial justification for charging a lower excise on light-alcohol beer, so there is an environmentally beneficial justification for an excise concession on ethanol.

What may look like a pork barrel to prejudiced cynics who decry anything that may benefit the bush, ethanol is shaping up more and more as the right thing for Australia, and the world.

Maybe Michael Baume could take a closer look at the homemade biodiesel scene if he is interested in the "right thing for Australia".

quote:

Originally posted by Tony from West Oz (The Wizard of Oz):
Terry,
I gave Paul all ot that information when the Democrats wanted it.
Neutral is correct.
The issues with home made biodiesel are :
Unreacted / partially reacted veg-oil
Methanol content.

I gave Paul references to the use of Veg-oil fuel exhaust emissions.
Methanol is currently used as a fuel in drag racers, model aircrafe, etc, with no exhaust treatment.
FYI, the references to veg-oil exhaust emissions can be found HERE

Tony,

thanks for the link to the French Research. This is by far the best article I have read so far.

I have been wondering about adding Methanol or Ethanol to my Biodiesel and this article mentions Ethanol.

Have you come across any Biodiesel people who added Ethanol or Methanol?

DutchAussie

In the past i have successfully trialled a 10% blend of ethanol with biodiesel. Ethanol's a great cold flow improver, so i used it to get through the winter months.

Don't have any results on emissions or performance, however the car (a 1980s Mazda) seemed to run really well on it.

Haven't tried a methanol blend, and am reluctant to given methanol's more agressive nature on fuel system componentry. However, those using "unwashed" biodiesel will tell you that they have never had a problem with methanol in the fuel system!