Coconut oil powers island's cars (BBC)

By Phil Mercer
BBC News, Sydney

People on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea have found their own solution to high energy prices - the humble coconut.

They are developing mini-refineries that produce a coconut oil that can replace diesel.

From police officers to priests, the locals are powering up their vehicles and generators with coco-fuel.

Inquiries for the coconut power have come in from overseas, including Iran and Europe.
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The island endured years of civil unrest in which thousands of people were killed in a fight for independence in the 1990s. Dwindling supplies of diesel forced islanders to look for alternatives and the coconut was chosen.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6634221.stm

Interesting, but a niche application.

acres of rainforest torn down for palm oil plantations in Indonesia and other South Asian slands?

Biofuels replacing oil is a pipe dream-- we burn more oil per year than can possibly be grown.