News Release NR-1006

Hotchkiss High School Seniors Recognized for Renewable Energy Project

Monday, April 10, 2006

Golden, Colo. — The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) presented a special Renewable Energy Award to Christopher Snow and Alexander Farinell from Hotchkiss High School, Hotchkiss, Colo., at the 51st Colorado Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) on April 6. The award is sponsored by NREL's corporate partners, Midwest Research Institute (MRI) and Battelle.

The award recognizes the best CSEF exhibit related to renewable energy. Snow and Farinell's project, "Beefsiel: Fat to Fuel," was a study of how biodiesel can be made using the remains of slaughterhouse cows that would normally be sent to the local landfill. The students, both seniors, were successful in converting the cow remains into biodiesel to run their 1991 Volkswagen Diesel Rabbit.

"We hope this award piques students' curiosity and interest and further encourages them to continue their studies in science and renewable energy," said Cynthia Howell, director of NREL's Office of Education Programs.

NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by MRI and Battelle.

For further information contact NREL Public Affairs at (303) 275-4090.