The Biofuels Program at Central Carolina Community College		Download Clean Technology's brochure. (PDF)
The first Biofuels class rolled out in the fall of 2002, and focused on the production of biodiesel, the operation of diesel engines on straight vegetable oil, diesel technology, and the relationship between biodiesel and petroleum products. Although the main focus was on the transportation and agriculture sectors, the course also explored issues concerning air quality benefits, performance, bio heat, industrial applications, and electrical generation. Demand for the course made it clear there was a need for a semester college level course called Sustainable Energy Solutions: Biofuels through CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program in addition to courses within Continuing Education. Many graduates of the course have stayed on over the years in an expanded exploration of all renewable energy sources, from wind to solar thermal to hydrogen in a follow-on Continuing Education course called Advanced Biofuels. The Biofuels program is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on the resources and knowledge base of both the Automotive Program, and that of the Sustainable Agriculture Program. Diesel Technology for Renewable Fuels will be offered for the first time in the Winter of 2005. This course is will explore the history and technology associated with the Diesel engine and provide students with both hands on experience and a theoretical approach to maintaining and operating diesel equipment on renewable fuels.		Biofuels class from CCCC tours the Alternative Fuels Garage at the North Carolina Solar Center. Tim Turner from NC State explains to the class about his ethanol production research.

Under Development

Local industry currently has demand for substantial work in the area of biodiesel analytics. Central Carolina Community College is working on meeting this demand by assembling the necessary laboratory equipment and knowledge to conduct a battery of tests to certify fuel for onroad use. A course entitled “Biodiesel Analytics” is currently under development with the College’s Bioprocessing school.

Coops, small producers, commercial operators and other institutions from across North Carolina have turned to the Biofuels program for technical assistance, and the ability to offer analytical resources is a logical extension of the current offering.

Biodiesel Feed Stocks and Side Streams is another area of research that is currently underway at Central Carolina Community College. Although the predominant focus of the biofuels program to date has been on waste vegetable oil, the idea of growing crops that can yield virgin feedstocks for fuelmaking is at the vanguard of North Carolina’s agricultural research. A course which explores varied feedstocks, combined with experimental uses for the glycerin and waste water is currently being explored.

This innovative program is the first of its kind in North Carolina and is a new learning experience for those committed to a sustainable future. Learn from experienced instructors. Classroom knowledge is supported by hands-on know-how to nurture local sustainable initiatives.

As it enters its third year of existence, the Biofuels program has placed dozens of students behind the wheel of vehicles running on either biodiesel or straight vegetable oil. It has spurred many small producers across the state, from the NC Solar Center at NC State University to the NC Zoo. It has spawned biodiesel coops, a research farm, and workshops that have attracted participants from across Canada and the United States.

As petroleum prices remain at record highs, the interest in biofuels is growing at an astonishing rate, and investment in this area is one of the fastest growing sectors of the U.S. economy today.

Come explore the fascinating and rewarding world of biofuels which is currently unfolding at Central Carolina Community College today.

Additional Information

Read more about the Biofuels Program at the Piedmont Biofuels Energy Blog or the Central Carolina Community College website.

• February 14, 2004 - Biofuels Program
• August 25, 2004 - Trash Trailer
• Central Carolina Community College - Grant funds will expand CCCC biofuels program
• Central Carolina Community College - Sustainable Agriculture
• Download Clean Technology's brochure. (PDF)