Although biodiesel fuel is a relatively new invention, it's allowed researchers to distill almost any plant or animal's excess lard into a powerful motor oil, including alligator fat.
Engineers in Louisiana have found a way to harness the might (read: lipids and oils) of nature's most terrifying beast in order to fuel our cars. The wonderful thing about biodiesel, especially when compared to the oft-confusing biofuels, is that it works with your regular tank and engine. More importantly, research conducted shows that alligator fat meets most, if not all of the requirements for efficient fuels: it's cheap, has next to no pollutants and it's plentiful. In fact, more than 15 million pounds of alligator fat are discarded during the meat processing of crocodilian animals.
Currently, the biodiesel is only offered at pumps in Florida and Louisiana, where alligator populations justify the research. This comes as promising news in the American South, where droughts, poor visibility and the recent oil spill have made abundant resources rare to come by.
Car-Fueling Reptiles
You Could Be Filling Your Vehicle with Alligator Fat Soon
Trend Themes
1. Biodiesel Innovation - Utilizing alligator fat for biodiesel fuel opens up possibilities for using a wider range of animal and plant oils as alternative fuels.
2. Sustainable Fuel Sources - Exploring alternative sources of fuel such as alligator fat contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation sector.
3. Waste Utilization - Finding uses for discarded alligator fat from meat processing demonstrates the potential for repurposing waste materials in various industries.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry has the opportunity to embrace biodiesel innovations and incorporate alternative fuel options into their vehicles and infrastructure.
2. Energy - The energy industry can explore the use of biodiesel derived from alligator fat as a renewable and sustainable source of fuel for power generation and other energy applications.
3. Agriculture - The agriculture industry can potentially benefit from finding additional value in alligator fat byproducts, expanding revenue streams and reducing waste in the meat processing sector.