Olive stone fuel

The Spanish Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology carries a report from the ongoing studies by scientists working at the Universities of Granada and Jaen. Their research project was to prove that the four million tons of olive stones, which are a waste product from the Spanish olive oil production, could be processed into bio-diesel.

This research would have implications for other countries throughout the Mediterranean region. Planting of olive trees would once again be encouraged, if the process is shown to be viable.

Unlike corn / maize grown for fuel production this method does not detract from food programmes and would have less negative impact on the landscape.

The researchers estimate that each 100kg. of stones could be converted to 5.7kg. of ethyl alcohol.