Bio-Fuel Bill Fuels Optimism From Bio-Diesel Maker
July 2nd, 2008
Biodiesel NZ is confident about the future of bio-fuels in NZ despite disquiet from other sectors of industry about the planned introduction of the alternative fuel. It says raw material providers, farmers and existing customers of Biodiesel NZ have been contacting the renewable fuel producer asking about its prospects following the introduction to Parliament of the Biofuel Bill. It is positive about NZ’s ability to produce cost-effective renewable transport fuel which is sustainable and food-friendly. The company produces high-quality bio-diesel from used cooking oil and oilseed rape sown in rotation with other crops. This rotation also helps to produce better yields of grains and wheat for the food sector.
GM of Biodiesel NZ, Paul Quinn, says the company is proceeding with development of a plant near Christchurch which initially will produce at least 15m litres a year. “We will be operating by early 2009, in time to process oil from about 5,000 hectares of autumn-sown oilseed rape now in the ground around the South Island. The crop can be expected to result in more than 7m litres of pure bio-diesel we can sell locally.” The Canterbury plant has been designed to allow a further quadrupling of capacity and the business is continuing to build relationships with farmers interested in including oilseed rape within their farm production, with agreements for a substantial spring planting now being negotiated.
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