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Progress Energy Eyes Fat-Oil Blend As Power Source

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By RUSSELL RAY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2008

Early next year, Progress Energy Florida will begin studying the feasibility of producing power with a biofuel made from animal fat and vegetable oil.

The biofuel, a proprietary formula owned by New Generation Biofuels Inc., will be tested in boilers at Progress Energy's Bartow power plant in St. Petersburg. Right now, the electric utility produces about 3 percent of its power from renewable resources.

On its Web site, New Generation says the use of its patented biofuel will result in "significantly lower emissions" than traditional fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.

The increased use of renewable power will be crucial in "meeting the new energy realities of growing energy demand, rising fuel costs and global climate change," Rob Caldwell, Progress Energy's vice president of Efficiency and Innovative Technology, said in a prepared statement.

Financial terms of the agreement between Progress Energy Florida and New Generation were not disclosed.

The St. Petersburg-based utility is Central Florida's largest power provider, with 1.7 million customers.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870.

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