Case Studies:
BioQuantum, Inc.
Dave Bonta and Gary Winslow
BioQuantum, Inc.
White River Junction, Vermont
BioQuantum was incorporated on March 18th, 2005 (Rudolph Diesel's birthday) with a mission to "transition energy from its traditional fossil fuel roots to more renewable, sustainable fuels." The four principles in the company are Gary Winslow, Dave Bonta (both present for interview), Doug Patterson and Thatcher Michelsen. They are currently providing ASTM-B100 and blended biodiesel for heating and for on-road and off road use. In addition BioQuantum offers dry fuel corn and equipment for using it as a heating fuel. Their strategic alliances include fuel dealers such as Fleming Oil and Green Technologies and they intend to form many more as they grow. Collaboration is a key element in their business plan, and Dave says, "the competitive atmosphere just isn't constructive—working with other businesses is the ideal." All four of the company's principles have backgrounds in some form of renewable energy and are passionate about their work. Following a long stint with the US Antarctic Program, Gary accepted a job with a wind turbine manufacturing company in Norwich, and then became a wind power consultant. During that time, he read about biodiesel in a publication addressing home power options, and started talking to people like Dave Bonta and then John Hurley of Dog River to learn more about it.
Inspired by his introduction to biodiesel in 2000 (after meeting John Hurley), Dave went on to help start a New England biodiesel consortium called BIOPEC, later the same year. From his work with BIOPEC, emerged a new company, which he and his partners named Global E Industries. In addition to starting Global E, Dave has been running his own business, CET Solar Store, which has branches in 5 other states. He's focused his efforts on educating people about the availability and viability of renewable power and renewable fuels. Both he and Gary were drawn to this work by a strong desire to address the need for change: economically, environmentally and politically. "You know what they say, 'Our American way of life is something we will die to protect'—well, we don't have to."
The high ecological and economical cost of moving goods all over the country and the world is only going to rise and Dave sees biodiesel as being a big part of the solution. "Biodiesel is a liquid fuel with high energy density and it makes much more sense to use it for transportation, for instance in rail locomotives and heavy trucks. This is one reason why we're involved with corn kernels and wood pellets for stationary use as in space heating." Personally, Dave and his wife use about 100 blended gallons of biodiesel per month in their vehicles, and Gary uses 100 gallons per year of B100 for his home heating and runs his VW Jetta on B100 or B20, depending on the season. Though no one at BioQuantum claims that biodiesel is going to fix all the world's fuel problems, they do see it as making an important contribution over time, and are quick to point out the urgent need for greater conservation and fuel efficiency.
With the biofuels sector in Vermont still in its infancy and BioQuantum on the pioneering edge of it, there are significant challenges. One is the constant fluctuation in pricing and sources of biodiesel. Another is the misconception some people have that it requires more energy input to make biodiesel, than the energy output it creates. "That in fact, is not true, says Gary, "But a lot of time (and energy!) must be spent to provide the correct information."
BioQuantum is a young company, taking the long-view as they grow their business. Poised to join forces with a well-established fuel company that is bringing biodiesel to the Upper Valley in rail car volumes, they look forward to increasing the products and services they can provide to customers. Since the team is committed to providing a variety of biofuel solutions in an emerging market, they regard flexibility and innovation as pivotal to their success.