D.C. Follies: Chevrolet HHR and Ford F-150 fueled by government waste debut in Washington

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Novozymes E85 vehicles – Click above for high-res image gallery

Government waste takes on a whole new meaning today as a Chevrolet HHR and a flex-fuel Ford F-150 powered by ethanol roll into Washington D.C. for the Auto Show. Granted, a couple of E85-powered vehicles in our Nation’s Capitol isn’t all that interesting in and of itself, but these have their tanks filled with alcohol fuel derived from government office waste paper and waste cardboard.

The demonstration is masterminded by Novozymes, which has partnered with Maryland-based Fiberight to show off that firm’s biofuel enzyme technology. This fuel can reportedly be created using a wide variety of materials, including agricultural residues, municipal waste and so-called energy crops – feedstock grown specifically for biofuel use.

Interestingly, Novozymes’ research into the enzyme biofuel technology was also fueled by taxpayer dollars: the first DOE grant totaled $2.2 million and was given in 2002; the second for $12.3 million was given in 2008. Why do we care? Well, it’s generally argued that biofuels like ethanol reduce overall carbon emissions and don’t require drilling for fossil fuels. Deriving ethanol from corn or other food crops, though, isn’t exactly an ideal situation. So, the promise of cheap alcohol fuels from waste is a fine one indeed. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Novozymes E85 Vehicles