The 14-year-old bio-diesel oil factory

Steven Henderson did not hide that at school, his performance was only in the 'middle-class' . But at home, the 14-year-old British student is a promising ' small boss ' with the production of bio-diesel oil, an environmentally friendly fuel.

Steven Henderson in his factory (Photo: ICNewcastle, TTO)

Steven has become the youngest person in the UK to be granted a license for waste disposal by the environmental agency. He has also won many prestigious awards, including the award for Young English Engineer and Award for Successful Young Face in Technology.

Steven himself built a mini refinery in his warehouse in Eachwick (Northumberland county in northeastern England). He purchased processed cooking oil from nearby pubs and restaurants, and set aside a weekend to process them into 1,000 liters of bio-diesel oil every week. This fuel was then used by Steven's father for tractors and trucks for farming. Thus, he saved 300 pounds (equivalent to 589 USD) each week.

Steven said he came up with the intention of processing bio-diesel oil from cooking oil after seeing the press talk much about climate change and rising world oil prices.'I was worried and decided to build a bio-diesel refinery. It is a harmless natural fuel for the planet. I hope I will build a real big factory later! ' Said Steven.

Steven's father said that from his son, he had a passion for construction work. At the age of 11, he knew how to help people dig their foundations. At 12, Steven dug a pond in a deserted field near his home.'One day I told you that he wanted to make bio-diesel oil. I bought Steven a guidebook and since then he has been burying his head all the time.

After thoroughly studying the book, Steven pleaded with him to buy some accessories to install in the mini refinery. 'Over the course of several failures, Steven finally found a way to do it right!' - proud father told. To process bio-diesel, cooking oil must be boiled to 50 ^O C, which is not a simple task for a 14-year-old student. Steven has been looking to buy some old radiators, then he has to mend and adjust himself. Now he could heat 8,000 liters of oil to 50OC in just three hours.

Steven is looking for ways to take advantage of the byproducts of bio-diesel production, which is glycerin. He planned to use glycerin to run a steam generator to provide heat and electricity for his home. ' If Steven can do that, then for me, it's a hero! 'said Steven's father proudly.

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