Eyeing the Hemp as a Biomass
Hemp’s potential as a biofuel is not exactly a secret, but it’s not common knowledge either. Well, the biomass industry is well aware of it’s potential, and the lawsuit being waged North Dakota farmers seems to have the industry watching hemp closer than usual. A recent article in Biomass Magazine titled US industrial hemp development continues echoed how:
Developers and farmers continue to pave the way for hemp as a biomass crop in the United States.
The North Dakota case is, undoubtedly, and important. It will effectively determine the future of industrial hemp in the US for generation to come. As much as that will impact on the biomass industry, it will effect so much more. Hemp is also a particularly pomising cotton alternative, not to mention a great source of nutrition.
Of course, when the energy sector starts eyeing a profit maker, things usually give sooner rather than later. So perhaps there might be some behind the scenes political dealing that will play out in favor of not only the plaintiff farmers in the North Dakota case, but hemp enthusiasts and entrepreneurs writ large.
Tags: biodiesel, biofuel, biomass, North Dakota
Fastest Eco Boat in the World Made With Hemp
Oct 8, 2008 Environment, News
Built in New Zealand and valued at $3 million, Earthrace is the world’s fastest eco-boat. In fact, it broke the world record for circumnavigating the globe by almost 14 days when it completed the journey in 60 days, 23 hours, and 49 minutes. Cooler still: it’s hull is made of hemp. As BVI Platinum reports:
Earthrace, which runs on 100% biodiesel, is the first boat in the world to use hemp composite. This is visible on the floor of the helm. Hemp is renewable, unlike carbon and Kevlar, and is strong and versatile enough for medium impact protection.
The hull shape is extremely efficient, reducing fuel consumption compared with conventional craft.
During construction, Earthrace used a number of recycled products (such as ice cream containers) collected from local Schools. In exchange, the team provided the schools with discarded MDF and pine to use in their woodworking departments.
Now if only Earthrace was powered by hemp and used hemp biofuel instead of regular biodiesel, we’d really have a reason to get excited. But you can find out more about the Earthrace at www.earthrace.net.
Tags: alternative energy, alternative fuels, biodiesel, earthrace, hemp boat, hemp composite, hemp fuel
.jpg)
