Page 21 - issue 26

In The News 21

Biofuels have become an attractive
source of energy because they offer the
prospect of domestic energy generation
and a reliable, renewable source of
fuel. They have the potential to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, as well
as to facilitate establishment of new
industries, employment prospects and
incomes.

Botswana imports all its petroleum
products through the Republic of South
Africa and other neighboring countries.
This high dependence on energy imports
is costly in terms of foreign currency
outflows and also challenges energy
security and fuel supply consistency.
The country’s consumption stands at 1.2
billion litres per annum (ground fuels)
with an average annual growth of 3.5
percent.
The Vice Chancellor of University Of Botswana
Mr Masire elaborated on this by stating Professor David Norris
that Biofuels, in particular commercial
biodiesel production, will certainly
contribute to ensuring that Botswana
achieves its commitment of reducing
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15
percent (from 2010 emissions levels)
by 2030. He added that biofuels will
also contribute to Botswana attaining
the Vision 2036 target of becoming
energy secure, with diversified safe and
clean energy sources, and a net energy
exporter.

Biodiesel offers an effective alternative
to fossil fuels as it delivers similar
energy performance and can be used
in standard diesel engines without the
need for any modification, as is the case
in this Project. A Toyota Hilux twin cab
D4D was used at the event to illustrate
the efficiency of the bio-diesel.

The laboratorymanufactured biodiesel
by University of Botswana students
and staff had allowed the car to travel
15km. In his concluding statement, Mr
Masire said “Upon completion of this
Project, the Government of Botswana
anticipates the accumulation of Professor .C. Ketlogetswe talking about biodiesel as an alternative fuel
technical knowledge and experience in

www.engineermagazine.co.bw Issue 26 Feb-Mar 2020