12 Feb 2020

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security says production of biodiesel in Botswana will enhance knowledge and scale up biodiesel production from various indigenous feedstock.

Mr Mmetla Masire was speaking at the commissioning of the multiple feedstock biodiesel processing plant in Gaborone on Tuesday.

He noted that biodiesel offered an effective alternative to fossil fuels because it delivered similar energy performance and could be used in standard diesel engines without the need for any modifications.

“Biofuels have become an attractive source of energy because they offer the prospect of domestic energy generation and a reliable, renewable source of fuel, and this is one of the key responsibilities of my ministry,” he said.He also said government was committed to clean development objectives of lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing air pollution as a cornerstone of the ministry’s support to the project.

Mr Masire said biodiesel would also contribute to Botswana attaining its Vision 2036 target of becoming energy secure with diversified, safe and clean energy sources, including an opportunity for the country to be a net exporter of biodiesel.

“It is worth noting that Botswana currently imports all its petroleum products through South Africa and other neighbouring countries. High dependence on energy imports is costly in terms of foreign currency outflows and also challenges the energy security and fuel supply consistency,” he said.

He expressed hope that the project would encourage private sector participation and unlock commercial production of biodiesel in Botswana.

Meanwhile, University of Botswana vice chancellor, Professor David Norris highlighted the significance of the collaboration of the institution together with the Department of Agricultural Research and financial support from the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security.

“This is testament to what research institutions of higher learning together with development corporations can achieve,” he said.

Professor Norris said the commissioning of multiple feedstock processing machines would also be a chance for the research group to come up with a list of feedstock for biodiesel production in the country.

He noted that the first phase of biodiesel research started eight years ago when local researchers collaborated with those from the University of Japan with the primary goal of gathering Jatropha seeds oil for biodiesel production.

“The event culminated with the demonstration of the machine which produced a total of 380 litres of biodiesel per batch.”

Prof. Norris applauded the ministry for sponsoring the research and assured Mr Masire that their investment would be put to good use to ensure sustainable development of biodiesel production in the country. ENDS