11 April 2007 Lincoln and Chevron partner in research for biodiesel plant crop

Scientists at Lincoln University are about to begin a commissioned study which they hope will identify biodiesel plant crops with the potential to be commercially farmed within New Zealand to create a sustainable agricultural energy source.

The research has been commissioned and funded by energy company Chevron, which markets the Caltex fuel brand in New Zealand.

Chevron New Zealand Chairman Nick Hannan said that while the technology already existed for biodiesel to be made from tallow (animal fat), tallow was already in demand within New Zealand and overseas, suffered from seasonal supply, and had some challenging cold-weather performance issues.

"While tallow remains important in getting a domestic biodiesel industry started, these characteristics, together with a low level of ongoing supply, reduce its attractiveness as a mainstream sustainable supply in the long term," he said.

"While we are not in the business of growing feedstocks, we are interested in fostering research into the development of a viable feedstock industry here.

"Lincoln is New Zealand's leading university in the area of sustainable land use and agriculture, so we have formed this partnership which we hope will lead to the development of a commercial feedstock industry for farmers."

The Lincoln University-based National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies aims to identify alternative feedstocks, particularly those that utilise low-value plant species which can be grown on marginal land, thereby not competing with food crops or grazing.

Lincoln University's Professor of Ecology, and Deputy Director of the Bio-Protection Centre, Steve Wratten, said his team was delighted to be asked to undertake such an important project and commended Chevron for displaying leadership in this area.

"If we are to have a sustainable energy supply for the future and limit greenhouse-gas emissions, New Zealand needs to find new and innovative ways of producing fuels. For biodiesel, the biggest hurdle is the availability of suitable feedstock. Other countries use agricultural crops such as canola (rapeseed) or oil palm but the former uses prime food-producing agricultural land, while the latter sometimes risks de-forestation in south-east Asia, both raising ethical concerns," he said.

A sustainable alternative also needs to take into account the energy inputs of fertiliser to grow fuel crops, the impact of irrigation and energy use for harvesting, and pest and disease problems.

Possible species include some native New Zealand plants which are currently under investigation.

The initial study is likely to take six weeks to complete. Stage two will include trials of candidate biodiesel plants in New Zealand. Ecologists Dr Marco Jacometti and Katherine Robinson, of the Bio-Protection Centre, will carry out the study, guided by Professor Wratten.

The government is about to introduce legislation requiring New Zealand energy companies to meet biofuel sales obligations from 1 April 2008.

About Bio-Protection

The Bio-Protection Centre is a national research centre incorporating staff from Lincoln University, Massey University, AgResearch, Crop & Food Research and seven other collaborator institutes. It conducts world class research and development to meet the biosecurity and pest management needs of New Zealand's plant based primary industries and natural ecosystems. www.bioprotection.org.nz

About Chevron

Chevron New Zealand markets the Caltex brand, with 300 service stations throughout the country. Chevron New Zealand is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, one of the world's leading energy companies with more than 55,000 employees in 180 countries around the world. Chevron companies produce and transport crude oil and natural gas, refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products. Chevron Corporation is based in San Ramon, California (USA). More information on Chevron is available at www.chevron.com

Elizabeth Owens, Marketing & Communications Manager, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

Professor Steve Wratten, Bio-Protection & Ecology Division, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

Sharon Buckland, Policy, Government and Public Affairs Manager, Chevron New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand