Raising the temperature for more on-farm biodiesel production
Published:19 May 2015

ARS Lead Scientist Dr Akwasi Boateng with Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath from CQUniversity.
Aussie scientists have established fresh links with counterparts in the USA to explore the potential of a high-temperature ‘farm-scale’ process (known as pyrolysis) to break down waste organic materials into biofuels.
The pyrolysis furnace inputs could range from specially-grown Beauty Leaf tree fruits, to general crop and timber wastes, to anything organic (even cow dung).
CQUniversity has signed up for long-term collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), with laboratory research focused on the USDA-Agricultural Research Services (ARS) pyrolysis facility in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, USA.
Rockhampton-based Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath is heading to Wyndmoor in July to extend work alongside Dr Akwasi Boateng from ARS. Longer-term there is potential for research staff and student exchanges, joint student supervision and broader research collaborations.