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So, you are still interested?
What will starting a new bio-fuel venture entail?
Are you looking for a new venture by making bio-fuels in your local area? If you are at all doubtful of the way your business life is going, then you are strongly urged to consider this project. Now is the time to start because the tax reduction is now in force, and our form of fuel is eligible. There are people already making bio-diesel and running efficient businesses from it. But the profit potential from Bio-power MWVF is much greater, and there are no processes that require a licence from the Environment Agency, as no chemical reactions are involved.
What will I need if I am starting from scratch?
We suggest that everyone starts by testing the method using our instructions, and then builds a simple processor capable of making one ton at a time. This will make sufficient fuel for the family and several friends. It will enable anyone to learn the basic skills, and how to manage the mess. Lets face it, grease spreads everywhere. It is important to limit the spread by being careful and skilful, but also to be scrupulously clean. I am the sort of person that is always messy in the kitchen, when throwing pots or in the workshop. Don't be tempted to follow my example!
What benefits are there in joining the Bio-power Trade Association?
Only registered members of the bio-power Trade association will be listed on our directory of bona-fide 'Bio-power fuel makers', and will be entitled to trade under the 'bio-power' name. Fuel makers not registered with us will not be able to use our special marker, and their fuel will not be recognised as a 'bio-power' product if found and tested in any vehicle. Joining the bio-power network is like joining a family of people all sharing the same aims and objectives, and wanting to help everyone in that group to be a successful business.
Can I join the Bio-power network and still make RME or use SVO?
Membership does not prevent any one from experimenting with other forms of bio-fuel. We all must keep an open mind on all ways by which the use of non-fossil fuels can be developed or encouraged. It is just our view that MUVO is the best method at the present time, but things may change as economic factors vary and further scientific developments are made. However, RME is not a 'bio-power' product, and cannot be marked with our marker.
What personal skills will I need?
You do not need a chemistry degree, but some knowledge of the basics from 'O' level chemistry would be an advantage. Most of the chemistry can be swatted up from the information on this website, and school chemistry books.
You do not need to be an engineer, but if you already are able to do simple domestic plumbing and electrical work you will probably be able to make your own processor and supporting equipment. Otherwise you will need to enlist the help of a local engineer and welder.
You do not need to own a factory, but you will need to find a suitable place, away from buildings, where there is adequate air flow (i.e. not completely indoors), where you can set up a basic processor. A yard , barn or shed will suffice to start with, but will need a small industrial site as soon as the project becomes commercially viable.
You do not need to engage lots of people, initially you can do it all yourself, but when the project becomes financially viable you will probably need to engage two or three people to collect the waste vegetable oil for all the chip shops, pubs and restaurants in your area, and run the plant itself. You will also need someone with a lorry and hiab to deliver the processed fuel to customers in palletised 1 ton containers.
You do not need to re-mortgage your house, but you will need some working capital. As new ventures go this project has a relatively a low cost and quick return. It can also grow from a simple beginning to a more sophisticated plant in easy stages. It is most people's dream. The start-up cost if you make your own plant and can get low cost premises could be as low as £1,000.
You do not need to be an experienced business manager, but some experience of keeping accounts, and dealing with the public will help. It is important that you are able to keep up to date with the monthly remittance of Excise Duty, and that you are able to be polite and helpful when you collect fat from chip shops and restaurants, and also when you do business with customers. Remember that many customers will be more than a little apprehensive when they first locate you and want to buy a strange new fuel for their car.
It is expected that most people will first build a 45 gallon drum separator, and will make about 200 liters of bio-diesel each day. To this processor they may then add a further two or three processors and can then engage people to collect fat on a full time basis. It is important to have sufficient storage tanks for the arrival and settlement of incoming fat and for the storage and polishing of new fuel.
Other things to consider:
Unlike the production of bio-diesel, the manufacture of MUVO does not require the use of any mineral chemicals. There is no reactive chemistry, and there is no need to register with the Environment Agency. Bio-power is collectively registered with the Environment Agancy to license all members as 'carriers of waste materials'. However, we do not in fact trade in waste, and it is important that we do not fall in to the trap of having to register as waste managers. The site or premises that will be used may require planning permission for light industrial use (B1). It is also possible to work within old farm buildings.
John Nicholson.
November 20th 2001 June 2007
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I hope you found the information on this site useful.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
John Nicholson October 2002 June 2007