J B Hunt Transport Services Inc and SunEco Energy have signed a cooperative agreement that could lead to J B Hunt becoming a significant purchaser of biodiesel made from natural algae oil using SunEco’s proprietary technology.
The two companies conducted a series of successful tests using biodiesel made by SunEco from 100% natural algae oil produced at its pilot plant in Chino CA. These tests, using a 20% and 50% blend of algae oil with petroleum diesel, measured an 82% reduction in particulate emissions with no loss of power.
“Transportation fuel is virtually 100% oil-based,” said Gary Whicker, senior vice-president of engineering for J B Hunt. “Finding alternative energy sources to put in our fuel tanks is good business for our company and our nation. SunEco’s innovative process to produce renewable fuel supplies from algae grown in American ponds is an intriguing new option. Our initial experience with their algae-based biodiesel is promising, and we are excited about the opportunity to work with SunEco Energy to move towards a lower-cost, less carbon-intensive, and more secure energy supply for our business.”
SunEco’s technology uses naturally occurring algae strains in a monitored environment to produce an oil product suitable for making renewable transportation fuels and other oil-based products, and as a byproduct of the process, a high-quality animal feed supplement. SunEco is raising more funding to enable large-scale deployment of the technology in US and international markets, including a large development in the Imperial Valley region of California.
With operations that include refrigerated transportation, J B Hunt focuses on providing safe and reliable transportation services to customers throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico.
SunEco is committed to deployment of commercially viable bioproducts made from natural algae strains. Its primary objective is to deliver reliable, clean, and sustainable energy products for transportation fuels and livestock feed.
