UAE, Argentina look to India for biofuel

AHMEDABAD: At a time when crude oil prices are threatening to cut
loose and run amok, countries like Oman, the UAE and Argentina have
approached an Indian research institute for developing alternate
biofuels. These countries are now looking for assistance from the
Bhavnagar-based Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute
(CSMCRI) to begin research on Jatropha biodiesel in their own
individual countries.

According to officials at the institute, Oman and Argentina have
sought help in initiating studies on jatropha in their countries,
while the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has sought assistance to set
research institute on the lines of CSMCRI.

"From fingers being pointed at biodiesel research for being the cause
of global food shortage, the focus of the world has now shifted to
jatropha which is a non-edible source of biodiesel and grows on
wastelands," said the institute director, Pushpito K Ghosh. The
institute has been doing pioneering research on Jatropha Curcas since
1997.

"At different points in time, Argentina, Oman and the UAE have
approached us for assistance in conducting research on Jatropha
biodiesel," Mr Ghosh told ET, while stating that the state-run Sultan
Qaboos University in Oman had recently approached CSMCRI to help them
initiate their first study on jatropha.

"Our institute will be collaborating with the department of soils,
water and agricultural engineering. We are currently waiting for
approval from National Biodiversity Board in Chennai for sending the
necessary jatropha germplasm needed for research to Oman. This will
help the West Asian country to study how jatropha can survive in harsh
climatic conditions prevailing there," he said.

A few days ago, a team from Argentina had visited CSMCRI's premises in
Bhavnagar and had a first-hand experience about the development of
jatropha-based biodiesel. The team also expressed interest in forging
tie-up with the institute.

"Argentina wishes to promote jatropha cultivation in some of the arid
parts of the country," Mr Ghosh said, while hinting that the institute
could collaborate with the South American country in the coming days.
The institute is also looking to forge tie-up with Ras Al Khaimah, one
of the emirates of the UAE. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi had visited
the institute last year and had sought assistance to set up a research
institute on the lines of CSMCRI. "This research centre will be part
of the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Materials," Mr Ghosh said.

The biodiesel developed by the institute had gained international
recognition after extensive tests were conducted at the Austrian
Biofuels Institute (ABI). The ABI which pitted CSMCRI's jatropha
biodiesel against fuels from other feedstocks showed that it clearly
outperformed the biodiesel sourced from rapeseeds, sunflower and
soyabean.

"Though a native of Central America, jatropha is India's contribution
to the world," said the senior scientist about the shrub which is
resistant to drought and pests and produces seeds that contain up to
40% oil. When seeds are crushed and processed, the resulting oil can
be used in a standard diesel engine.

CSMCRI is currently offering its help to a number of Indian and
foreign automotive manufactures like DaimlerChrysler, General Motors
and Mahindra & Mahindra to develop efficient biodiesel vehicles.