A gas station chain is working with an algae fuel creator to have the first biofuel made from algae.
Propel gas stations have worked with Solazyme on an algal additive to be used alongside diesel fuel. The new fuel is called “Soladiesel,” according to NBC News.
Gas stations mainly in California and Washington will start offering the two diesel fuels next to each other for a month long trial period to see how customers will react to the new fuel.
The algae are grown in large numbers and have sugar added to them to produce combustible oils that can be used as fuel additives. Fuels like this produce fewer pollutants and may actually perform better.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the fuel contains 20 percent algae and 80 percent petroleum and can be used in any vehicle that runs on diesel fuel.
The biodiesel fuel is going for $4.25 a gallon in California, which is the going rate for diesel at the moment. Currently the plant that makes the algae oil is located at the Solazyme’s plant in Peoria, Illinois.
Matt Horton, Propel Fuels chief executive officer, said, “It really is an access question that we’re working to remedy. None of these fuels are a silver bullet that is going to fix the problem and get us off oil. It’s going to be a variety of fuels. Our task is to drive awareness. When consumers know it is available, that it is priced right and it reduces carbon emissions, they will use it.”
