It is correct that biodiesel has a hippy type name...however it is not new...
A lot of work and study over the years by the DOE...
http://www.dieselnet.com/links/fuel_biodiesel.html
......................................................
A major point is that renewables from agriculture are just another crop type...and require the use of "food land"...
However biodiesel could be just another crop...or new land usage that is not food crop competitive is very promising..
Algae is over 30% oil...and grows very quickly..best in saline water...
The problem here is the win lose win lose oil price syndrome and would have to be govt supported...
To be a high dollar crop would be more interesting to ag...however oil companies do not own their land titles..and would not approve of them in their margins...
....................................................................................
What is promising is that some of the Carribean countries could become self sufficient in alts..and would make them a lot stronger...the money would stay at home...
..................................................................
Good luck to all on their oil related positions...the next year will be very interesting..........