KARACHI, July 7: The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has initiated research and development work on its bio-diesel project to meet government’s deadline of blending five per cent bio-diesel with conventional diesel by 2015 and 10 per cent by 2025.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had taken a decision on the issue in its meeting on Feb 15 in Islamabad.

Bio-diesel would be extensively tested in the auto industry of Pakistan, and depending upon its favorable results, scope of its supply would be extended throughout the country as a standard practice.

At PSO, after the production of bio-diesel from Jatropha oil, an in-house testing has already begun on one vehicle. However, results would be known later.

A PSO official involved in the project told Dawn that it would take some time to produce bio-diesel in Pakistan on such a large scale because it needs mass cultivation of Jatropha and other non-edible seeds for which commitment/concerted efforts of the government is required.

He said a separate department, alternative energy and new projects, has been established within the company to identify and take initiatives in terms of cheaper renewable and alternative energy projects and to address the country’s energy crisis and lessen the fuel import bill which would result in saving of precious foreign exchange.

PSO has selected only non-edible plants/seeds species, such as castor (Arind), Pongame (Sukh Chain), Jojoba, Jatropa (Karanga), etc., for production of bio-diesel. However, the company is currently focusing on Jatropha plant/seed for its better qualities as a substitute of petroleum diesel.

The officials added that many countries in Europe, US, Brazil, Malaysia, and India are using Jatropha as well as other edible and non-edible plants/seeds for production of bio-diesel.

The official said that out of these plants, Jatropha can be grown on marginal land, thus its plantation would not compete directly with other food crops, such as wheat, corn, sugarcane, rice and cotton besides helping in poverty alleviation and improving land utilisation.

Pakistan consumes approximately eight million tons of diesel per annum; of which around three million tons is imported.

There will definitely be incentives for consumers with regards to bio-diesel pricing, its effect on the environment and the vehicle performance, he said.

The official said that spiraling effect of fossil fuel prices world over continues to adversely affect economies of many countries.

This has provided incentives to search for alternative fuels derived from vegetable and non-vegetable oils, i.e. ‘bio diesel’, which offers several distinct advantages as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.

Economically it reduces imports and would afford improved security of energy supplies.