Soybean Oil Cost-Effective Energy Alternative
Harrisburg, PA - Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today signed an Adams County firm to the PA Preferred program, underscoring Governor Edward G. Rendell's commitment to advancing alternative and renewable energy technologies.
The company, Soy Energy Inc. of New Oxford, transforms soybeans to refined soy oil that can be used as a fuel extender in diesel engines. Use of the soy oil reduces fuel costs for companies, and benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
"With the dramatic increase in fuel costs, companies are aggressively seeking new technologies to help them lower their dependence on fossil fuels," said Wolff. "Soy Energy is one example of a Pennsylvania firm working to meet this objective, while recognizing the need to protect the environment."
The work of Soy Energy is of particular interest to Pennsylvania's soybean growers. The company buys, sells or trades almost 1.5 million bushels of soybeans each year. Of this total, 89 percent comes from Pennsylvania growers. The Penn State Energy Institute estimates that the state's farmers will receive an additional 27 cents per bushel given Soy Energy's impact on the market.
The company was recognized during a meeting of the Alternative Fuels Renewable Energies Council, along with another PA Preferred member, Sysco Food Systems. Sysco has incorporated Soy Energy's oil as a fuel extender, helping the company to manage escalating diesel fuel prices.
The Department of Agriculture launched the PA Preferred brand to encourage the sale of the state's products and reassure consumers that stringent quality standards have been met. The program provides Pennsylvania producers with marketing resources to boost product exposure and build market share. Soy Energy is the first energy company to carry the brand.
Under Governor Rendell, the commonwealth has taken steps to encourage the adoption and development of renewable energy technologies. In December 2004, the Governor implemented a new clean-energy portfolio standard that will cut energy costs, promote economic development, and encourage technologies to protect and restore the environment by ensuring more electricity is generated from environmentally beneficial resources.
SOURCE: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture