Quote:
Aussies reckon tequila plant's worth a shot in biofuel search
Agave plants grow outside the Mexican town of Santiago Matatlan in 2007. Can withstand dry, hot conditions: agave's resilience is being touted as a reason to plant it commercially in Australia. (Reuters)
Aussies reckon tequila plant's worth a shot in biofuel search
By News Online's Nic MacBean
Posted Tue Mar 3, 2009 3:06pm AEDT
* Audio: Tequila crop is a promising source of biofuel: professor (ABC News)
It's most well-known for being the main ingredient in the production of the Mexican spirit tequila, but a drought-resistant succulent plant is being touted as the next generation in biofuels.
Central Americans have used the sap of the agave plant to distil their potent brew for centuries, but an Australian company wants to harness its high sugar content to make ethanol for energy.
Sugar cane is already used in Australia to make sugar for ethanol production, especially in Queensland where there is a long-established cane industry and 10 per cent ethanol petrol is widespread.
Proponents of agave say they are not trying to replace sugar cane as a source of ethanol, but their plant is an ideal fit for climates where cane does not flourish.
Australian company Ausagave says it has 10,000 agave plants in pots that are ready to be trial planted.
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Aussies reckon tequila plant's worth a shot in biofuel search - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
The altruism and concern Ozzies have for the environment is touching.
Alternative motive? Wadeyameeen? Avadrink
