09 Aug 2022

In a bid to mitigate effects of climate change, University of Botswana has launched B20 biodiesel which is produced from animal fats and plant material.

Speaking about the importance of the use of the biodiesel, biodiesel principal investigator, Professor Clever Ketlogetswe said University of Botswana had always been and continued to perform research on biodiesel production and testing its suitability to develop the required blends as per the biofuel’s guidelines for Botswana.

“The guidelines are a clear indication of commitment by Botswana government to promote development of biodiesel in the country,” he said.

He said all technical aspects of the biodiesel production and testing had been accomplished.

However, he said they were experiencing challenges such as fear of the unknown by potential users of blended fuels.

“Today is the day we are igniting the process of removing fear of the unknown in every citizen of this country, to know that blended fuel is the solution to some of our economic and environmental problems,” he said.

The advantages of using blended fuel, he said, included increased energy security and improved air quality and the environment.

He said it provided high quality engine performance.

He thanked Jwaneng Mining Company and Botswana Oil for supporting the use of blended fuels.

Deputy Director from the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, Mr Metshameko said they  supported the use of biodiesel and had injected about P13 million into the project to show government support of the project.

He also urged private entities to adopt the use of the biodiesel and thanked Jwaneng mine and Botswana oil for taking part.

UB Vice Chancellor Professor Morris said the biodiesel research project was among several projects that received support from the ministry.

As part of the project  he said the university had acquired some high quality testing equipment required for the overall testing of biodiesel. ENDS