Hot Topics

Alternative Fuels

The current oil crisis translates into many related issues in Georgia. Low income families struggle to pay the high costs of heating oil in the winter, farmers search for ways to cut the number of trips over the fields and construction firms look for ways to cut waste.

The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is working on many research projects and educational programs to help ease the ramifications of this difficult situation.

Impact Statements

Review these reports on alternative fuels from CAES faculty in research, teaching and Extension. For more reports, visit the searchable database.

2007 Reports

2006 Reports

Georgia FACES News

Here's just a sample of alternative fuel issues in the news generated by the college. For the latest news, visit Georgia FACES.

Biofuel leftovers find new life in chicken feed
April 2, 2009 — In recent years, poultry farmers and the U.S. ethanol industry have been in an economic fight over corn, which is used to feed flocks and make biofuel. But there could be a viable solution. Biofuel leftovers can be turned into chicken feed.
UGA scientist ready to make better biofuel plants
February 19, 2009 — Charlie Brummer believes there is room for improvement – at least when it comes to plants.
Mapping sorghum's future
January 29, 2009 — Southerners may best know sorghum as sweet, biscuit-topping syrup. But the small grain's uses range from a dependable, drought-tolerant food crop to biofuel source, says a University of Georgia researcher.
UGA gets $2.5 million for biofuels studies
August 7, 2008 — University of Georgia researchers were recently awarded two grants totaling $2.5 million to help find better ways to produce biofuels from switchgrass and sunflowers.
UGA's bioenergy research featured in D.C.
July 3, 2008 — From bicycle-powered light bulbs to algae bubbling in plastic bags, 30 universities showed off their biofuels research under a circus-size tent at the second annual Bioenergy Awareness Days in Washington June 19.
Algae holds promise as biofuel
July 3, 2008 — Algae - the stuff that clouds swimming pools, mucks up ponds and clings to boat sides and buoys - can produce more than 2,000 gallons of oil per acre a year.
UGA takes biofuels exhibit to Washington
June 19, 2008 — The University of Georgia gave policymakers in Washington an up-close look at the future of biofuels by demonstrating how raw materials as diverse as algae, chicken fat and wood chips can be turned into fuel.

UGA scientist sleuthing secrets of sorghum traits
June 7, 2007 — Say "sorghum" in many parts of Georgia, and the topic may turn to the values of sorghum syrup. Wait a few years, though, and that same biscuit-topper may be the center of a biofuels discussion.
Oil driven energy era coming to an end, experts say
August 3, 2006 — By the year 2020, the world's population will have increased its need for energy by 60 percent.
Bioenergy conference August 1-3 in Tifton, Ga.
July 20, 2006 — Growers, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, economic developers and researchers can all learn about alternative fuel development in Georgia at the Georgia Bioenergy Conference August 1-3 in Tifton, Ga.
Experts, industry leaders study fuel alternatives
March 5, 2003 — Skyrocketing oil prices, a sharp increase in the cost of natural gas and imminent war with Iraq have experts and industry leaders taking a harder look at alternative fuels.
Alternative-fuel vehicles slowly gaining ground
August 7, 2002 — Bill Fox has pleasant memories of the first alternative-fuel buses he rode as a University of Georgia student. "Back in the 1980s, alternative fuel was used in buses for campus transit," said Fox, now director of the university's motor pool. "They were fueled by peanut oil and smelled like a big Nutter Butter rolling down the road."

GeorgiaAudio.net

Here's just a sample of alternative fuel issues in the radio clips generated by the college. For the latest radio clips, visit GeorgiaAudio.net.

Recorded October 18, 2005, at Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition
"98% of ethanol in the US is produced by corn and also sweet potatoes and sorghum…"
Read the text version of this radio interview >>

Southscapes Magazine

Here's an article on alternative fuels that appeared in the Spring issue, 2006.

Bioreality: Biomass Fuels, Products Not that Far Away
If you know how to do it, you can turn a handful of wood into enough fuel to power a small car about 1.5 miles.
Read the article >>

More Information

Keeping Warm During Winter Power Outages
During severe winter storms, power outages could render your home heating system inoperative for several days. To minimize discomfort and possible health problems during this time, UGA Cooperative Extension specialists offer tips.
Read the article >>