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BioDiesel in Chesapeake

By Gene Allen

Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty

May 23, 2007 03:31 AM

A biodiesel refenery in Chesapeake could soon be a reality. The plant would be called the Virginia Point Biodesel complex and would feature twin domes some 47 outdoor tanks near South Norfolk in Chesapeake. It would almost directly across from a proposed ethanol plant. This biodiesel plant according to its California based developers could be the largest in the world. Ever hear of jatropha? Well its a tropical plant and could supply over 320 million gallons a year of the clean-burning fuel. Where will this plant come from? How about Africa, India and the South Pacific. As part of the development plans in Chesapeake, jatropha would be grown in Mexico, too. This is a real technical marvel and several technoligies would have to be merged to make it work. Can it work? According to Clifford M. Cowles, a principal in the start up company behind the Virginia Point project, it should work just fine. Asked about the environmental risks of his project, Cowles said his biggest concern would be his prospective neighbor. "The real issue is ethanol," he said. "I'm concerned about being next door to it. I mean, have you ever smelled an ethanol plant?" I for one would love a some biodiesel being here as I drive a VW Passat with a diesel motor. jatropha here we come.