Freeways to Fuel
What is FreeWays to Fuel (F2F) National Alliance?
FreeWays to Fuel National Alliance is a research project designed to investigate the use of non-traditional agronomic lands such as roadside rights-of-way, military bases, and airports for the growth of biofuel feedstock crops across the country. Nearly all highway areas in the United States have monetary costs to maintain. Utah’s Department of Transportation (UDOT) alone has nearly 6000 miles of highway roadsides that require maintenance at costs of $300 per mile in 2006. A potential cost reduction could be realized in using this land to grow biofuel feedstock crops. The fuel made from these crops could then be used in the DOT’s fleets and other state vehicles
This project was initiated in 2007 in cooperation with the UDOT and Utah State University. The concept quickly caught the nation’s attention and a national alliance was proposed. This alliance would partner with DOTs and land grant colleges in the respective states along with federal government agencies and industry to reduce carbon footprinting and emissions, decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil and solidify our national security by the production of localized biofuel feed stocks
Who is FreeWays to Fuel National Alliance?
To date personnel from the following land grant universities are committed to the Alliance pending funding:
• Utah State University
• Washington State University
• University of Idaho
• Montana State University
• Iowa State University
• Michigan State University
• North Carolina State University
• Auburn University
• Penn State University
• State College of New York – Cobleskill
The Alliance will form an executive committee drawn from government, academia, industry and biofuel organizations to provide leadership and strategy.
What is the Research Objective of the FreeWays to Fuel National Alliance?
FreeWays to Fuel’s focus is to investigate the growth of biofuel feedstocks on these non-traditional lands and determine their economic and environmental feasibility. If successful, non-traditional agronomic areas such as roadsides, military bases, and airports could serve as biofuel feedstock growth areas disseminating healthy, clean burning fuels into local communities.
How much land could potentially be utilized by this project?
Assumptions:
- 70 foot wide crop area/mile
- Use conventional agronomic methods
- 1/2 to 2/3 on Western dry land yields (600 – 900 lbs/acre)
- 100 gallons/mile
What crops will be tested?
Crops to be tested are current and promising biomass species. Feedstock choices will be based upon regional considerations. Below are
a few examples:
• Canola
• Safflower
• Sunflower (dwarf)
• Camelina
• Mustard
• Flax
Will this method affect the food supply and food prices?
Currently, the use of food crops for biofuels has sparked much debate. F2F is focused on utilizing lands that are not currently in food, fiber, feed or flower production. If this project is successful, it will decrease the cost of maintenance in the areas selected, saving tax payers money from regular maintenance, reducing emissions from state vehicles and making the highway corridors asthetically pleasing.
What equipment will be utilized in the planting and harvesting of the crops?
We will utilize conventional farm equipment – tractor, grain drills and combines.
How large is the suggested test area in each location?
Approximately 1100 feet long by 10 feet wide or a ¼ acre.
When will results of the research be available?
Initial results should be available by 2012.
Will the biofuel produced from this method be economically feasible?
Our current economic model shows that biodiesel produced from this method will be economically feasible given petroleum diesel price >$2.50/gallon and yields are as stated.
How much money is this Alliance requesting?
2 million dollars for research in 2009 – 2011.