This week biodiesel and Bioheat experts took the spotlight at the Atlantic Region Energy Expo. As the name plate sponsor Bioheat was prominently featured throughout what is widely considered the most significant energy event in the Northeast.

“Our partnership with AREE reflects the successful partnership of the oil heat and biodiesel industries,” explained Paul Nazzaro, petroleum liaison for the National Biodiesel Board. “The collaboration between these groups has fueled Bioheat fuel’s success and provided expanded options for oilheat consumers and new opportunities for small business throughout the Northeast.”

Visionaries in the heating oil industry recognized opportunities for biodiesel blends nearly two decades ago. Since then, outside support from groups like the Nebraska Soybean Board and South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council have supported ongoing development both on Bioheat fuel technology and consumer outreach. Now Bioheat is available to customers across the East Coast and beyond.

“As the biodiesel industry has grown to more than a billion gallons each of the last three years it has begun to penetrate markets beyond just on-road diesel use,” said Bob Metz, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. “Bioheat fuel is a tremendous opportunity to improve the air quality in home heating with a renewable product. Supporting AREE with the Bioheat partnership is a great way to take that message direct to the industry.”

This is the third year that The Atlantic Region Energy Expo and Bioheat have hosted the AREE event. This year’s meeting took place April 29-May 1. The conference, billed as the best energy, petroleum and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry tradeshow in the Northeast, explores the evolving world of home and building comfort, efficiency and environmental responsibility. The event included an educational track of five Bioheat sessions.

A full schedule and list of speakers remains available on the event website, www.areetradeshow.com.

Bioheat fuel is a combination of oilheat with biodiesel, America’s advanced biofuel made from sustainable resources such as soybean oil and other oils and fats. To be called Bioheat fuel, the fuel must contain at least 2 percent biodiesel. Bioheat is cost-competitive with oilheat, and does not require modifications to the oilheat system.