Growing Camelina for Bio-Diesel in Arkansas Delta

alt.Energy works at the nexus of promoting renewable energy and driving economic development in the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta.

Thanks to support from the Ford Foundation, alt.Consulting convened the Arkansas Green Energy Network (AGEN) in March 2011. AGEN has grown from 20 to 80 organizations and rural community leaders working together to identify entrepreneurial opportunities involving renewable energy and energy efficiency. AGEN is evolving into a value chain of organizations that benefit from this work while creating wealth in rural communities and safeguarding the environment.

• Micro Bio Refineries – AGEN is working to commercialize a micro-refinery process developed by various researchers. A small scale, locally owned refinery can utilize local inputs such as used cooking oil and Camelina seeds to create jobs and keep wealth locally.

• Energy Efficiency – Making homes, businesses and municipal buildings more energy efficient saves money which can be reinvested in the community. Building an infrastructure to promote energy efficiency will provide new opportunities to construction contractors in these rural places. Certified contractors are needed for:
  • Energy audits
  • Insulation work
  • HVAC replacement and recycling
  • Window and door replacement

• Solar – Distributive solar systems will help municipalities and businesses in the Delta generate their own electricity and save on their electricity costs. These funds can then be reinvested in important community services.

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Call for Entrepreneurs

Are you an entrepreneur interested in working with the Arkansas Green Energy Network to set up a micro-refinery? Are you a contractor interested in energy efficiency work? Contact us.