Fairgoers get look at fuel of the future
Fayette County fairgoers are receiving a look into the future this year with a display on a new fuel called soy diesel. “It’s a renewable energy source,’ explained Don Fretts. “It’s refined soybean oil that is a diesel fuel substitute or partner. You can mix it. The normal blend is 80-20: 80 diesel and 20 soybean.’
He continued, “It’s environmentally friendly and also has been proven to have beneficial effects on diesel engines. It helps keep them clean.’
Fretts said the new technology will soon be available in the North East for commercial fleets, including trucks and buses.
But soybean diesel is of interest to local farmers, Fretts pointed out, because: “We grow soybeans. It’s a potential market. Also, a farmer uses a lot of diesel fuel so he’s also a customer.’
The exhibit is located between commercial buildings 1 and 2, and features a garden tractor. When the tractor is operating, Fretts said the public will notice that the exhaust will have a popcorn kernel smell.
In addition, the fair’s People Mover is operating on soy diesel for the first time.