PSOs’ Biodiesel Initiative for the promotion of Biodiesel in Pakistan
2. Biodiesel – A Brief Description
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils (plant oil and
animal fats), which meets the specifications of ASTM D 6751. Technically Biodiesel is a chemical
compound - “mono-alkyl ester” and is the product of the reaction of a straight chain alcohol, such
as methanol or ethanol, with a fat or oil (triglyceride) to form glycerol (glycerin) and the esters of
long chain fatty acids.
1. Executive Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to declining fossil fuel reserves, global climate changes and government regulation regarding
Green House Gases; the alternate fuel sources available nowadays have become more and more
important. Although there are a number of different fuel sources available but biodiesel is most
feasible for countries like Pakistan due to its agricultural base and suitable climatic condition,
Total Geographical area of Pakistan is approx. 80 million ha and 30% of it is utilized for
agriculture purpose and this highlights the potential for fuel crops such as Jatropha, Castor , etc in
Pakistan. So the more we grow fuel crops for alternate fuel source the better it is both for the
environment and for our economy.
Considering the aforementioned scenario, PSO (Pakistan State Oil) has already started working on
Bio-fuels with emphasis on bio diesel. Currently, Pakistan consumes about 8 million tons of
petroleum diesel per annum half of which is imported. With 10 % blend of bio diesel, a substantial
savings can be achieved in terms of foreign exchange as well as improved earnings for the whole
nation especially for poor farmer communities.
PSO has selected Jatropha Curcas as a prospective plant candidate for bio-diesel because of its
unique characteristics and for the same reason substantial research work has been done by
countries like India, Malaysia, China, Brazil and USA. To produce 10% blend of biodiesel,
approximately one million acres of marginal/barren/waste land is required for Jatropha
plantation.
PSO has also made significant progress in plantation of Jatropha Curcas shrubs and now we are
leading in all aspect of Jatropha plantation to biodiesel production and its application. We have
successfully completed initial project life cycle (From Jatropha seed sowing to its use) and have set
the following direction for the initiation of Biodiesel in Pakistan:
Download full Report (PDF)
PSOs’ Biodiesel Initiative for the promotion of Biodiesel in Pakistan
2. Biodiesel – A Brief Description
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils (plant oil and
animal fats), which meets the specifications of ASTM D 6751. Technically Biodiesel is a chemical
compound - “mono-alkyl ester” and is the product of the reaction of a straight chain alcohol, such
as methanol or ethanol, with a fat or oil (triglyceride) to form glycerol (glycerin) and the esters of
long chain fatty acids.
1. Executive Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to declining fossil fuel reserves, global climate changes and government regulation regarding
Green House Gases; the alternate fuel sources available nowadays have become more and more
important. Although there are a number of different fuel sources available but biodiesel is most
feasible for countries like Pakistan due to its agricultural base and suitable climatic condition,
Total Geographical area of Pakistan is approx. 80 million ha and 30% of it is utilized for
agriculture purpose and this highlights the potential for fuel crops such as Jatropha, Castor , etc in
Pakistan. So the more we grow fuel crops for alternate fuel source the better it is both for the
environment and for our economy.
Considering the aforementioned scenario, PSO (Pakistan State Oil) has already started working on
Bio-fuels with emphasis on bio diesel. Currently, Pakistan consumes about 8 million tons of
petroleum diesel per annum half of which is imported. With 10 % blend of bio diesel, a substantial
savings can be achieved in terms of foreign exchange as well as improved earnings for the whole
nation especially for poor farmer communities.
PSO has selected Jatropha Curcas as a prospective plant candidate for bio-diesel because of its
unique characteristics and for the same reason substantial research work has been done by
countries like India, Malaysia, China, Brazil and USA. To produce 10% blend of biodiesel,
approximately one million acres of marginal/barren/waste land is required for Jatropha
plantation.
PSO has also made significant progress in plantation of Jatropha Curcas shrubs and now we are
leading in all aspect of Jatropha plantation to biodiesel production and its application. We have
successfully completed initial project life cycle (From Jatropha seed sowing to its use) and have set
the following direction for the initiation of Biodiesel in Pakistan:
Download full Report (PDF)
PSOs’ Biodiesel Initiative for the promotion of Biodiesel in Pakistan
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