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May, 2005 –

Cold-weather use, cost feed inaccurate ideas about biofuel

By COLIN HICKEY
Staff Writer

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

Just pull up to your local fast-food restaurant, fill up the car with grease from the fry machine and drive away spewing exhaust with a distinctive french fry odor.

That's how some people understand biofuels, said Joel Glatz, owner of Frontier Energy in China.

Glatz knows better. He knows that grease from the local McDonald's can be an energy source, but just like the crude pumped from an oil well, fry grease needs to go through an extensive refining process before it can power your car.

There are exceptions to this rule, of course. Glatz said a specially designed bus showcased in Portland recently ran on straight grease, but that capability involved a number of major mechanical innovations that would be cost-prohibitive for the average vehicle.

What does work in a traditional diesel-powered engine, he said, is a combination of highly refined vegetable or animal fat mixed with a much larger quantity of petroleum. Frontier Energy's usual mix is 20 percent biofuel, 80 percent petroleum, or B-20 biodiesel.

Among his greatest challenges, Glatz said, is to help debunk the abundant misconceptions surrounding biofuels.

The difficulty is most pronounced when dealing with an organization, whether it be a municipality, school district or government agency, because multiple layers of misconceptions often have to be overcome.

A school district, for example, might balk at using biodiesel in the bus fleet because drivers are concerned that the fuel will gel in cold weather, while mechanics fear the stuff will damage rubber components and the business office sees cost as a problem.

The reality, Glatz said, is that while pure biofuel does begin to gel when temperatures fall to 32 degrees, a B-20 concentration behaves much like regular diesel, and the same rule applies to any impact on rubber components.

Cost is more complicated. In the short run, the concern is indisputable. Biofuel has been as much as 30 cents per gallon more expensive than traditional fuel.

But a variable often ignored in the cost equation is long-term maintenance expenses. Glatz said biofuel, as a result of being a diluted version of petroleum, burns much cleaner, causing far less wear and tear on components.

This means fewer fuel filters and repairs, which when factored into the cost analysis can erase, or at least significantly reduce, what appears to be a big price differential, Glatz said.

Glatz realizes that teaching the public about biofuels will take time, but he is confident that myths eventually will give way to understanding, and thereby focus attention on the environmental benefits of biofuels.

February, 2005 – Belfast to Rockland, Maine

BioHeat™ becomes available for Midcoast Maine

MIDCOAST MAINE--Frontier Energy, Maine’s distributor of BioHeat™ and BioDiesel, is pleased to announce that beginning this Valentine’s Day, February 14, they will be offering BioHeat™ to customers in the cities and towns of Belfast, Northport, Lincolnville, Camden, Rockport and Rockland.

Despite repeated requests, logistical factors have prevented Frontier Energy from offering BioHeat™ to this region in the past.  Now, thanks to a number of recent developments and a collaboration with George Haselton of Rockport Mechanical, Frontier Energy is expanding and is offering a complete package of service and distribution in several new areas.  Rockport Mechanical is a plumbing, heating, AC and refrigeration contractor with experience in geothermal heating and cooling, solar and off the grid installations.

Frontier Energy is a division of Frontier Oil Co., which has been doing business in Maine for over 20 years.  As the first fuel dealer in Maine to offer Biofuel and petroleum fuels in blends, Joel Glatz, co-owner of Frontier Energy, observes that Maine is ready for alternative heating.  “Frontier Energy is excited and proud to introduce clean, renewable fuels to Maine.  We are a locally owned company with roots in the communities we serve.  An improved environment is very important to us.”

BioHeat™ is a domestically produced fuel made from natural, renewable, agricultural resources.  It’s quiet, clean, efficient, and has less harmful emissions than regular heating oil while lessening our dependence on foreign oil.  Brad Taylor, co-owner of Frontier Energy says, “BioHeat™ contains 80% less sulfur, 22% less particulate matter and 30% less unburned hydrocarbons than other heating oil previously available in the midcoast.”  In addition, you can use BioHeat™ without any modifications or changes to your heating oil system or tank. 

Fortunately, recent tax provisions have made it more affordable than ever to switch to BioHeat™ and begin making a practical difference when purchasing heating fuel.  Interested customers can call toll-free at 1-866-267-9293 to learn more about BioHeat™ and review available heating options.

August 18, 2004 – Augusta, Maine

Maine to heat state buildings with BioHeat™

AUGUSTA--The State of Maine will be using 10% bio-heating oil in the Capitol building, the Governor’s mansion, and many State office buildings for the 2004 – 2005 heating season.  Frontier Energy of South China, Maine, is pleased to announce that it will be supplying the biofuel portion of the Augusta State House’s heating needs for the coming year.  Frontier Energy thanks the State of Maine for making a commitment to conserving resources, buying locally and domestically, and lessening our state’s air pollution. 

Biofuel is easy to use, safe, biodegradable, non-toxic, and reduces net CO2 emissions by as much as 78%.  As well, it reduces most other harmful emissions, including cancer causing particulates.  Grown and processed in the United States, biofuel can also lessen our dependence on foreign oil imports.  No equipment alterations are necessary to convert to using biofuel, and it can be stored or added to any existing tank.  Biofuel is blended in many ratios, from 100% to 5%; this B10 blend is 10% biofuel and 90% petroleum.

Frontier Energy is the only full-service supplier of 100% and blended biofuels and biolubricants in the state of Maine.  The company is hopeful that as more people try this alternative, the use of biofuel might become an integral part of meeting our state’s heating needs.  Joel Glatz, of Frontier Energy, says his company is poised to lead Maine into the future of alternative heating fuel.

Thank you, Maine, for acting on the important issue of our air quality standards.  You are setting a great example for our residents and the Nation.

April 21, 2003 – South China, Maine

Frontier Energy reaches new milestone

SOUTH CHINA--Frontier Energy of South China reached another milestone this week with the arrival of the first railcar of Biodiesel ever to reach the state of Maine.  Biodiesel is a diesel fuel or heating oil alternative made from vegetable oil.  Biodiesel can be used alone or blended with diesel or heating oil in any ratio.  Frontier Energy is the only full-service supplier of fully blended and 100% Biodiesel in Maine.  Many vehicle fleets are currently using Biodiesel, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Postal Service.  Locally, L.L. Bean of Freeport has begun using blended Biodiesel in its trucks.

The railcar arrived in Waterville on Thursday, April 17, and will be taken to Augusta to be unloaded.  The car holds 20,000 gallons, by far the largest purchase by the company to date.  Prior to this, Frontier Energy had to travel to the Boston area by truck to purchase the product.  "Frontier Energy is proud and excited to be pioneering the use of renewable fuels in Maine," says Joel Glatz, Frontier Energy Vice President.  "By bringing the product in by railcar, we are able to provide the fuel for about the same price that it is currently being sold for in Boston.  The product is now available in Maine without incurring large shipping and handling costs," says Glatz.  Another benefit Glatz notes is the emissions saved by using rail transport.  "This product is shipped from Iowa." Glatz adds, "It would require three trips in a tractor trailer truck to transport that quantity.  So, utilizing rail really makes sense to us."

With the onset of the war in Iraq and the upheaval in Venezuela, dependency on foreign oil is now at a critical level.  The use of Biodiesel, which is grown and processed in the United States, is a good start to support domestic agriculture and shake off the burden of purchasing oil from foreign shores.

Additionally, this natural, plant-based alternative to heating oil and diesel fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable and greatly reduces unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and other emissions.  We can all use a breath of fresh, unpolluted air!

Now with the addition of Frontier Energy's railcar transport, the availability of Biodiesel in the state of Maine has become more plentiful and less expensive!  And that’s good news for everyone!

April 7, 2003 – South China, Maine

L.L. Bean begins using biodiesel in their fleet

PORTLAND--L.L. Bean today becomes the first major Maine company to test market Biodiesel in their distribution fleet. Confidence in the success of the pilot program is high due to many other organizations that have been using Biodiesel in their vehicles with great results.  The U.S. Marine Corps reports success with switching over to Biodiesel and are now using it in all non-tactical vehicles.  The U.S. Postal Service and National Park system cite similar results.

"L.L. Bean, the Maine-based outdoor retailer is taking an important step toward improving life on planet Earth by introducing the use of Biodiesel into their transport vehicles," says Joel Glatz, co-owner of Frontier Energy, the South China, Maine company supplying the Biodiesel.  "L.L. Bean continues its leadership role by utilizing the plant-based, clean-burning substitute for traditional diesel fuel."

Biodiesel is easy to use, safe, biodegradable, non-toxic and reduces net Co2 emissions by as much as 78%, as well as providing major benefits.  It reduces most other harmful emissions, including cancer causing particulates.  Grown and processed in the United States, Biodiesel can lessen our dependence on foreign oil imports.  No equipment alterations are necessary to convert to using Biodiesel, and it can be stored or added to any existing tank.  Biofuel is blended in 100%, 50% and the most popular B-20 (20% Biodiesel and 80% petroleum).

Frontier Energy is the only full-service supplier of 100 % and blended Biofuels and Biolubricants in the state of Maine.  The company is hopeful that once Bean’s initial tests are completed, the use of Biodiesel might become an integral part of Maine transportation.  Joel Glatz says his company is poised to lead Maine into the future.

"We are proud and excited to be pioneering the introduction of renewable energy in the state of Maine," Glatz says.  "This first step will go a long way to help clean up the environment, as well as reduce the dependency on foreign oil and support local farmers".  We applaud L.L.Bean for taking the initiative in greening their fleet, and setting a good example for others".

L.L. Bean, Inc. is a leading multi-channel retailer of quality apparel, furnishings and sporting gear for people who love the outdoors.  The company was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Freeport, Maine. Last year L.L. Bean made a $1 million donation in support of Acadia National Park Propane-Powered Bus System.  Conservation, stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation have long been the company’s primary focus for corporate giving.