PNG: Agreement on Biofuel Plant in Madang

Source: http://www.thenational.com.pg/040207/nation30.htm

Nod for bio-diesel plant in Madang

By PETER KORUGL

PROVINCIAL governments in Momase have given the green light to Madang to
go ahead with the construction of the first bio-diesel processing plant.
This follows an endorsement by the Momase Governors Council for the
proposal by the Madang provincial government.
The council at its meeting in Madang last week also resolved that the
National Government assist the Madang government with funds to set up
the plant.

Chairman of the council and Morobe Governor Luther Wenge told The
National that they supported the project because it would provide
markets for copra growers in Madang as well as provide an alternative
source of fuel for use by the people at a cheaper price.
Production of bio-diesel is not new as other oils have been used to
produce bio-diesel in the United States to reduce the cost of fuel in
powering vehicles, generators and ships.

The use of bio-diesel is a cleaner concept compared to fossil fuel and
the Madang government has been working with the University of Technology
over the last two years on the project.

The provincial government said it provided K95,790 over the past two
years and earmarked K70,000 for the construction of the plant this year.
Two local level governments, Ambenob and Karkar, have also allocated
funds in their budgets towards the project and were waiting for the
design and construction of the plant to be completed.

Discussions were successfully held with the Cocoa Coconut Institute and
the Kokonas Indastri Koporesen to get the project off the ground.
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