The EconoTour or a Tour de France at HVB
The idea
On the initiative of the site econologie.com and following a discussion on the forum, the Tour de France with a vehicle (s) running at the Vegetable Oil Brute (HVB) begins to organize. The aim is to make citizens, the media and the institutions aware of the use and advantages of independent ecological fuels from local sectors. As well as to make known the site econology and the works which are presented there.
About me
My name is Julien Lefebvre, alias Rulian on the forum from your favorite site. Benefiting from a period of availability of 6 months at the end of my studies (mechanical engineer), I decided to get involved in the organization of this action which could be a starting point for stronger actions in favor of the development of "econological" transport.
Why the HVB?
Raw Vegetable Oils (unrefined) are today the simplest type of biofuel to produce and the most environmentally friendly.
This is oil directly taken from the plant - sunflower, rapeseed, etc. - which does not require any industrial processing. After a simple filtration, it can be used directly in a common automotive diesel engine. The carbon released by the combustion of these oils is entirely consumed by the plant during its growth. CO2 pollution is therefore globally zero except when synthetic fertilizers are used during oilseed cultivation. In fact, nitrogenous fertilizers reject gaseous nitrogen compounds that contribute to the greenhouse effect in the same way as CO2. However, these rejections can be very limited depending on the type of crop used.
HBV is one of the solutions to environmental problems that can be easily applied now, without major investment. It is also a very good alternative for the consumer thanks to a lower pump price than diesel. But currently HBV is not taxed: taxing this biofuel would obviously not make it more profitable economically speaking!
Why a Tour de France?
In this area as in many others, France is far behind the major countries of the European Union. The use of HVB fuel was prohibited until 1er January 2005. Since then, a legal vacuum persists. The industrialists do not seem to be interested either in this very profitable fuel and which offers substantial agricultural outlets.
This is why we want to demonstrate the interest and the economic viability of Crude Vegetable Oils as a fuel for cars and transport. We want to take strong action to ask our leaders to ensure that bio-fuels, especially HBV, are accessible to all. moreover, it is a means of respecting the commitments of the Kyoto protocol… so what are our policies waiting for?
Exhibitions and conferences.
Throughout the course, in June or July 2005, we will exhibit the vehicle (s), we will make demonstrations and give lectures on the theme of the raw vegetable oils used as fuel. These events will have to be supported by local associations that we will contact during the preparation phase that we have planned from March to June 2005.
Our journey will go through symbolic places of the automobile industry, by organizations promoting the HVB in France, and by national and European institutions. We hope for some support from some media that we will not fail to contact.
A letter addressed to our leaders.
On the occasion of this trip, we will invite the citizens to sign a letter addressed to the French and European political and associative leaders, asking them to take strong action in favor of the Raw Vegetable Oils, in compliance with the commitments made in Kyoto.
Here is a list of the leaders involved:
- The Greens
- Greenpeace
- Ministry of transportation
- Ministry of Economy
- The presidency of the republic
- Major car manufacturers
Without your help we will not succeed ...
Today, February 12, 2005, the project has only just begun. For the moment, only Christophe Martz and I (Julien Lefebvre) have worked on the project. But the idea is launched.
We need to find the vehicle (s), set the route and the exhibition and conference program, set up the logistics, contact the local associations and raise the budget necessary for the success of such an enterprise.
If you can help us:
- find vehicles and HVB fuel
- to put us in contact with people likely to help us
- organize a conference or a demonstration along the route
- financially or materially
- anything else you deem useful for the project.
For any other idea, you can use the forum : Click here
Thank you all!
Julien Lefebvre, mechanical engineer student at UTC (University of Technology of Compiègne) and Christophe Martz, ENSAIS engineer, econology webmaster
Learn more about HVB:
- General information on vegetable oil
- Forum biofuel and vegetable oil fuel