Biofuel output begins

 RESIDENTS at the Pacific Adventist University can now use locally-produced fuel to run their vehicles, thanks to a Biofuel Energy (PNG) research team for the innovation.

A K500,000 biodiesel plant and facility was launched last Friday at the university by Prof Lohi Matainaho, the chief executive for PNG Science and Technology Council, with attendance by more than 50 people, including delegates from the PNG Science and Technology Council and the Department of Public Enterprises and Investments. Biofuel Energy (PNG) was a research initiative of the School of Science and Technology which started in 2013.

The biodiesel plant recycles waste cooking oil by converting it to biodiesel in a way to prevent severe environmental problems that would be caused by disposing of waste cooking oil. 

It is funded by the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology and the PNG Science and Technology Council.

, which is responsible for Government researches in the country, and is  supported by the Pacific Adventist University in partnership with Grown Fuel, Australia.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Pacific Adventist University Dr Jeff Crocombe said the launch of the plant and facility marked a significant milestone during the university’s 30 years of operation in PNG as a higher education provider and an indicator of the university’s commitment to one of its core functions in creating and generating new knowledge. 

Biofuel Energy (PNG) was a research initiative of the School of Science and Technology which started in 2013.The biodiesel plant recycles waste cooking oil by converting it to biodiesel in a way to prevent severe environmental problems that would be caused by disposing of waste cooking oil.

Project manager, Elisapesi Manson said the research team was looking at collaborating with the University of Technology and other industries to develop the project further. 

She said PNG could be a leader in the Pacific in clean energy production.