Algae-based biofuels ‘a hit’ with consumers in US

US-based renewable fuels retailer Propel Fuels and renewable bioproducts company Solazyme claim a 30-day retail pilot programme saw positive results from the general public.

The project, which marked the first commercial availability of algal-derived fuels, offered SoladieselBD at a B20 blend to consumers through Propel’s Clean Fuel Points in Redwood City, San Jose, Berkeley and Oakland.

Consumers were asked to give feedback via a survey and sales at the participating sites saw a 35% volume increase over those that weren’t part of the project.

‘The results show strong preference for algae-based fuel, and partnering with Solazyme to enable our customers to be the first in the country to purchase this next generation biofuel was thrilling,’ says Propel Fuels CEO Matt Horton.