Running on cheese

NEW ZEALAND – Dairy giant Fonterra is experimenting with the idea of using ethanol derived from whey to power cars.

Fonterra ethanol is made from whey produced during cheesemaking and, until now, it has been used in areas from medicine to methylated spirits.

For the last month, Fonterra Edgecumbe transport depot manager Darrell Paterson has been running his 1.8 litre Hyundai on a petrol mixture containing 10 percent ethanol.

The fuel has significant benefits over conventional fossil fuels. It is both renewable and biodegradable and could also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.