Biofuel Use in the Military

The US Military is a big consumer of energy, using 117 million barrels (or 320 thousand barrels per day) in 2006.  They, more than most, understand that we need to find alternatives to our dependence on petroleum.  The NW region has been using B20 for ten years! 

Alternative energy is a top priority for DARPA, the military research branch whose research and innovation led to the development of the Internet.  The Strategic Technology Office, part of DARPA, states that:

“The Defense Department has been directed to explore a wide range of energy alternatives and fuel efficiency efforts in a bid to reduce the military's reliance on oil to power its aircraft, ground vehicles and non-nuclear ships. The goal of the BioFuels program is to develop an affordable and highly efficient alternative process of converting crop oil to a JP-8 surrogate.”  http://www.darpa.mil/sto/programs/biofuels/ 

The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Ray Akins, a Transportation Specialist for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) to discuss Military use of Biofuels.  Join us to learn about the military’s use of biofuels, why they are a leader in the use of biofuels, and where we are headed in this critical area.

Get your questions answered!  7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free.  Information at www.nwbiodiesel.org/.

About Our Speaker

Ray Akins is a Transportation Specialist for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest, Base Support Vehicles and Equipment (BSVE) Core, whose mission is to provide full support to the U.S. Navy installations around the world.  From basic utility requirements to advance energy solutions, simple facility service calls to complex facility management services, standard transportation to heavy construction equipment.  The BSVE provides central management of automotive and civil engineering support equipment.  The NW region has been using B20 for almost 10 years with great success.  For example, BSVE has been using biodiesel fuel in 2 of its tanks and will be using biodiesel fuel in its 3rd tank in the near future.

Ray is a 3rd generation diesel/truck mechanic and has worked as a Seabee mechanic in the U.S. Navy. Before assuming the position with NAVFAC in Washington, he served in the same capacity in Germany and Italy.  

Biodiesel Use in Fleets

As the Gulf fills with oil, consumers are beginning to look at their role in our oil addiction.  What will this mean to businesses and how do they react to this new awareness to position their business?  Why have some businesses been using biodiesel for years? 

Learn from the experiences of Northwest businesses that have been out in front of biodiesel use.  They will share why they made the transition and the economic and business benefits of this decision.  They will discuss challenges they faced and how they overcame them, and their overall experience using biodiesel.  Learn how we can get more fleet users to use biodiesel.   

The NW Biodiesel Network is pleased to present Doug Burgoyne, founder of FROGBOX (http://www.frogbox.com) and Zach Fogel of Stumptown Coffee Roasters (http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/), and Jeff Stephens of Propel Fuels (http://www.propelfuels.com/content ).  These three Northwest companies have been using biodiesel for years, and in case of Propel facilitating the use of biodiesel by fleets.  Doug, Zach and Jeff will share their experiences and lessons learned.    

Get your questions answered!  7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free.  Information at www.nwbiodiesel.org/.

About Our Speakers

Jeff Stephens, Ph.D., Director of Science and Technology

Jeff is Director of Science and Technology for Propel Fuels, which builds, owns, and operates alternative fueling stations and expects to expand in 2009 from its current six Washington and five California locations. At Propel, Jeff directs the company’s fuel quality assurance program, is involved with biofuels sustainability issues, participates in industry technical initiatives, and is Propel’s representative to ASTM International. He has had a 30 year interest in reducing petroleum use by producing chemicals and fuels from biomass. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Oil Chemists Society.

Doug Burgoyne

Doug Burgoyne started FROGBOX in 2008 as an experiment in socially responsible business.  In April 2009 he quit his full time job to grow the company.  Prior to this Doug had a diverse career, which has included running private health care clinics in Texas as a licensed Physical Therapist and working in high tech Sales and Marketing in Europe.   He has an MBA from Western’s Ivey School of business.  Doug lives in Vancouver with his wife Celeste and five month old son Max.  He spends any free time he has mountain biking.  

Biodiesel – Buy with Confidence!

How do you know that the fuel you put in your vehicle is top quality?  How are we doing with testing biodiesel in our region and maintaining quality?  Learn the latest developments from Kirk Robinson of the Washington Department of Agriculture, Weight and Measures.

A farmer for 25 years, Kirk joined the Washington State Department of Agriculture Department of Weights and Measures in 2003.  Kirk currently serves as the Program Manager for Weights and Measures.  One of the duties assigned to the Weights and Measures program is the monitoring of motor fuel quality on motor fuels used and sold in Washington State and implementing biofuel and ethanol fuel standards.  Additionally, Kirk serves on the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Weights and Measures. 

Join us to learn why you can buy Biodiesel with confidence.  Get your questions answered!  7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free.  Information at www.nwbiodiesel.org/.

Marine Use of Biodiesel

Use of biodiesel on the water has a tremendous impact on the marine environment.  The Washington State Ferry System leads the world in use of biodiesel on the water.  What is the status of their biodiesel testing, use, and availability statewide?  What challenges does the ferry system face going forward?  What about other commercial uses of biodiesel in the marine environment? 

We are pleased to present an update from Paul Brodeur, Washington State Department of Transportation, Director of Vessel Maintenance, Preservation and Engineering.  In 2009, Paul received the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official’s President’s Award for Water Transportation, for work directly related to clean fuels and biodiesel.  This is a great opportunity to learn from a world leader on how Washington State is leading the world in Marine Use of Biodiesel.

Get your questions answered!  7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Seattle Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103. Cost is Free.  Information at www.nwbiodiesel.org/.