Naked City

Local startup biodiesel distributor Austin Biofuels has announced a marketing partnership with Triple S Petroleum, an Austin-based company that operates Shell and Texaco convenience store gas stations and offers fleet and commercial fuel services. The two will operate a blending rack operation, which will allow ABF to store substantial amounts of biodiesel and "splash blend" or pour it directly into diesel distribution trucks to create popular biodiesel blends like B20 (a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% regular diesel) for local fleets, thereby making biodiesel more affordable, according to ABF co-founder Jeff Plowman. He said ABF's next step will be to open a commercial fueling station, retailing the soy-based fuel which can be used in any diesel engine without modifications. While the blending rack is geared toward fleets, Plowman said he and his staff have installed a new, larger tank and gas station-style pump at Ecowise at 110 W. Elizabeth, just west of South Congress, one of two area retail outlets. He said sales at Ecowise have surpassed 1,000 gallons per month. "We're moving in the direction of an Austin plant," where ABF will actually produce biodiesel, he said. "Once we've got a handle on marketing, the plant will be easy."