To reverse the current situation of rising fossil fuel prices and environmental degradation, there is need for using low cost and locally available alternative sources of energy. Against this backdrop, the Rwanda Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (IRST) has put its priorities on alternative energy research, especially on biodiesel production. Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. It is safe, biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel. The institute did a feasibility study, and developed a business plan. The research recommends that biodiesel projects if developed in the country are profitable. IRST also found appropriate oil methanol catalyst mixtures of making biodiesel from palm, moringa, jatropha, soybean and avocado oils. While the institute is establishing a Laboratory of Biodiesel and Bioethanol that is capable of producing 2,000 liters of biodiesel per day, it is also finalizing a biodiesel policy after scientific consultations with other stakeholders in production and marketing last week. Dr Jean Baptiste Nduwayezu, the Director General of IRST, said when it comes to listing the advantages of biodiesel, there are many and advocates say these include low emissions, better scent, and higher lubricity. Scientists say biodiesel has a lower energy content than regular diesel, but performs as well as diesel when mixed with diesel in blends of up to 20 per cent. Modern diesel engine technology has advanced to the point where the advantages of biofuel usage are becoming much greater than the disadvantages. The engines produce less noise, smoke or vibrations and they are more fuel-efficient than older model engines. They also have the added advantage of greater acceleration compared to gasoline engines of the same model of vehicle. The use of biodiesel fuel may be the solution to the increasing transportation energy crisis, particularly in the shipping transportation sectors. According to vehicle manufacturer blending limits and guidelines, biodiesel can be substituted for diesel fuel in all vehicle types. It is believed that engines will last longer when using biofuels. Traditional diesel engines have a higher rate of engine wear (lubricity). New regulations require petro-diesel engines to lower sulfur emissions, making biodiesel blends more attractive to use. As a renewable source of energy, biodiesel can be made from tallow (animal fats), fish oil, seaweed and algae. Other alternatives are imported feedstocks, such as palm oil, from around the globe in an effort to further ensure lower cost supply. However, there is no source of biodiesel that is cheap and plentiful enough to meet the potential demand. This has raised a series of criticisms. Prof Romain Murenzi, the States minister for Technology, says the future balance of world supply and demand, food verses fuel priorities and sustainable production will have to be considered by all countries thinking of biofuel production. He cautioned that African countries must ensure that any biofuels manufactured with their resources are produced in Africa, and not thousand of miles away using natural resources shipped out of the continent. Tax incentivesThis is possible with the involvement of the government through tax incentives. For example, developed countries such as European Union members impose heavy diesel taxes whereas biodiesel is generally tax-exempt to ensure development. Ends
