Okay, maybe not your fries exactly but the oil used to fry ‘em up can, thanks to Encore BioRenewables, a new Tellurian Biodiesel joint venture with Golden State Foods (GSF). By this time next year, the leading independent American distributor and marketer of sustainable high-quality biodiesel will be opening its first biodiesel production facility in Southern California, with plans to open additional processing plants throughout the U.S. that will be sited near locations which aggregate used cooking oil from restaurants. This is where GSF comes into play. As one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick-service restaurant industry, Encore will have direct access to an abundant supply of used cooking oil to recycle into a more sustainable biodiesel fuel that exceeds industry specifications.

The high-quality biodiesel produced by this closed-loop solution will be sold to trucking companies, municipal fleets and to GSF to fuel its distribution fleet, which services its customers in the quick-service restaurant industry.

Oil reserves are non-renewal people! If you think gas prices are high now, imagine what will happen as we reach peak oil. Take a page from California’s book of leading environmental initiatives and rally our government and businesses to get on the bandwagon and begin our journey towards a more sustainable and earth-friendly future. Read on to learn more about this venture, as well as why biodiesel is a better alternative than ethanol.

The Biodiesel vs. Ethanol Debate

Despite North American politicians hawking ethanol like it’s the next best thing, this ain’t the way to go folks. Here’s the gist of why:

Ethanol is primarily derived from corn and sugar cane. The energy put into the production of ethanol is far greater than the energy output once you put it into your car (ethanol from corn, switchgrass, and wood biomass requires 29%, 50%, and 57% more energy, respectively, to create the ethanol than the energy contained within the fuel). Not only that, but ethanol also offers far lower mileage than either conventional gas or diesel. And most importantly, ethanol will never even make a dent in our consumption of oil because even if every bushel of U.S. corn, wheat, rice, and soy bean were used to produce ethanol, it would only cover about 4% of U.S. energy needs on a net basis.

On the other hand, biodiesel can be made from pretty much any agricultural and industrial organic waste, meaning rather than growing crops specifically for fuel production, the fuel becomes a biproduct of everyday consumption (it’s even possible to create biodiesel fuel from garbage!). Biodiesel burns cleaner than regular petrolium fuels in your car, it gives off the smell of cooking rather than the black plumes of smoke you see coming out of vehicles, and because of its solvent properties, it even cleans your engine. Biodisel is essentially the definition of the mantra “Reuse, Renew and Recycle.”

Why should you care? Because 80% of new car sales in Europe are diesel. Even petrolium-based diesel is far more environmentally friendly than regular gas, and it’s only a matter of time before that trend makes its way across the pond.

Some informative articles on this subject:

Forget the Ethanol Myth – Avoid Biofuel Bubble by John F. Wasik
Ethanol: A Tragedy in 3 Acts by Ed Wallace
Corn Biofuel ‘Dangerously Oversold’ as Green Energy by Phil McKenna

Now back to Encore BioRenewables…here’s their official press release:

Encore BioRenewable’s first plant will begin production at a rate of five million gallons of biodiesel annually. The facility’s output will be expanded as American demand for renewable biodiesel continues to increase with the country’s accelerated transition off of foreign oil.

Tellurian’s recently announced acquisition of Superior Process Technologies, which is expected to close in late spring, will provide Encore BioRenewables with a proprietary process to turn low-grade raw materials into high quality biodiesel that exceeds both ASTM and EN quality specifications at prices competitive with petroleum diesel.

In addition to used cooking oil, Encore BioRenewables will convert other recyclable domestic fats and oils into high-quality biodiesel. The company projects production of at least 100 million gallons annually, once its national network is fully operational.

“With this progressive venture, Golden State Foods is taking a leadership role in the widespread adoption of sustainable biodiesel, a cleaner, domestic, renewable fuel ready to help keep America’s trucking industry rolling,” said Joe Gershen, president of Encore BioRenewables and Tellurian’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We look forward to working with our new partner to introduce this innovative biodiesel initiative to the American marketplace.”

Bill Sanderson, GSF’s corporate vice president of finance, said: “GSF first approached Tellurian more than four years ago, seeking guidance in converting cooking oil into biodiesel fuel. We’re delighted to have formed this alliance and have found Joe Gershen and the entire Tellurian team to be among the most knowledgeable biodiesel experts in the field and terrific strategic partners.”

“The initiative,” Sanderson added, “provides us with a wonderful opportunity to help our customers accomplish their environmental and social responsibility objectives.”

About Tellurian Biodiesel, Inc.

With offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Tellurian supplies the food service, manufacturing, entertainment and technology industries with biodiesel and biodiesel education. It has worked with several municipal fleets as they transition to using biodiesel, including those in the cities of Santa Monica, San Francisco, Inglewood and Beverly Hills.

With a dedication to the environment and a focus on the use of recycled materials and local sources whenever possible, Tellurian is developing biodiesel production facilities throughout the United States. It has gained a national reputation for its commitment to quality, value, service and sustainability. More information: TellurianBiodiesel.com or (310) 314-8246.

About Golden State Foods

Golden State Foods is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant industry. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif. the $3.3 billion company is value based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service. With nearly 3,000 employees worldwide, its core businesses include custom distribution services, processing of liquid and meat products, produce and bakery businesses. The company also runs a national nonprofit organization, the GSF Foundation for Kids. More information: GoldenStateFoods.com or (949) 252-2000.