Bagram Air Field Converts Used Cooking Oil to Biodiesel to Power Incinerators

Three unrelated problems were solved by one simple solution devised by Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV contract partner, Fluor. They plan to convert used cooking oil into biodiesel to help power solid waste incinerators at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan.

Christopher Waechter, Fluor country environmental manager, said the initiative was proposed initially as a cost avoidance measure. The overall cost avoidance is projected to be $750,000 per year.

However, the process also has the added benefits of removing used cooking oil from the waste stream and increasing the skills of the local workers while allowing them to work in a safer work area. Using biodiesel to fuel the incinerators is also a much safer option than traditional methods. 

This initiative is paired with an existing program that reclaims used motor oil and other fuel for use in the incinerators.