The Merrimack Biodiesel Crew has also been experimenting with algae, growing different types in flasks on a science lab windowsill.<\/p>\n
Now, the crew hopes to expand its operation \u2013 and host other environmentally friendly initiatives \u2013 by building a greenhouse in the Merrimack High School courtyard. The crew has been named a finalist in a nationwide competition that could net it $15,000 if it gets1 enough online votes.<\/p>\n
During the last few years, the Biodiesel Crew \u2013 a club at the school that promotes alternative energy awareness \u2013 has collected fry oil from local restaurants and converted it to clean fuel, which has run a bus for extracurricular activities, among other things.<\/p>\n
This year, the team has switched its focus to the growing trend: algae.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a new way to try and do it because we can grow our own oil,\u201d said junior Nick Deraney, 16.<\/p>\n
Although it would take far more algae growth to power anything significant, growing algae eliminates having to pick up fry oil at places in town, said junior Bryce Fischer, 17.<\/p>\n