4th August 2022
Own Correspondent
The University of Botswana is spearheading historic efforts to unlock the development of biodiesel in Botswana which is biodegradable. In its pure form, unblended form causes less damage than petroleum diesel if spilled or released to the environment.
The flashpoint for biodiesel is higher at 170 degree C compared to about 74 degree C for petroleum diesel. Biodiesel, even in very low concentrations say(B2), improves fuel lubricity and increases the cetane number of the blended fuel. The overall results include smooth running of the engine, high engine performance and fuel saving.
Professor Clever Ketlogetswe, Principal Investigator at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Botswana(UB), said “The University of Botswana has been and continue to perform research on biodiesel production and testing its suitability to develop the required blends as per the biofuel’s guidelines for Botswana. The biofuels guidelines were launched by the Ministry of Minerals and Energy in January 2022. The guidelines are a clear indication of commitment by the government of Botswana to see the development of biodiesel in the country.”
He said, “The biggest challenge facing the development of biodiesel in Botswana is fear of the unknown by potential users of blended fuels such as B20.”
According to research conducted by the University of Botswana(UB) Faculty of Engineering biodiesel is fully compatible with the emission control analysis and filters to reduce nitrogen oxide and particular matter emissions from new diesel engine.
Jwaneng Mining Company has already started using biodiesel fuel generated as part of the research UB initiative which is a collaboration with the Department of Energy which injected P13 million into the project and the Department of Agricultural Research in the hope that it can be produced across all sectors of the economy is growing.
David Norris, Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana(UB), said “The Biodiesel Research Project is among several projects which have received a substantial research grant from the Ministry of Minerals and Energy. The project also received support from Botswana Oil Company, who donated two thousand litres of petroleum diesel to kick start the blending processes.”
He said, “As part of the project, the University has acquired some high quality testing equipment required for the overall testing of biodiesel. We are hoping to fully equip the biofuel testing laboratory and apply for its accreditation so that it could become a National Testing Centre for biofuel.”
The university endeavours to continue developing more research related expositions as it seeks to play a key role in the development of Botswana’s knowledge economy through a productive engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
