Bio-diesel use in the Northern Territory will move a step closer to reality this month after a joint project between Charles Darwin University research engineers and major fuel distributors, Australian Natural Fuels and Ausfuel.
The project, a first for the Northern Territory, will be officially launched this Wednesday, February 8 at the NT Government’s Stuart Park transport depot and will see a number of heavy vehicles including a bus and road-train fill up with 20 per cent bio-diesel.
CDU research engineer and principal project officer, Mark Thiele, said he and other CDU project support officers were excited at having been able to contribute to the bio-diesel development trials.
He said bio-diesel research has already shown the fuel to be a cleaner burning alternative fuel that can greatly reduce exhaust emissions.
“Without doubt, the development of bio-diesel and its introduction to the transport, mining and power generation industries will have a significant and positive impact in the reduction of exhaust emissions,” Mr Thiele said.
“Our CDU team have been excited and proud to have been involved in the research, testing and trials of bio-diesel and its potential applications to a broad range of industries.”
Ausfuel general manager Herbert Few, describing CDU’s partnership in the project as ‘essential’ said governments from around the world, including Australia, are actively encouraging the adoption of alternative and more environmentally friendly fuels.
“Bio-diesel is a clean, renewable alternative fuel for the future and the results of this trial should encourage wide acceptance of its use in the Northern Territory,” Mr Few said.
“We are conscious of the growing need for more environmentally friendly fuels and describe our partnerships with Charles Darwin University, Australian Fuel Distributors and Natural Fuels Australia, as essential.”
A bio-diesel plant at Darwin’s East Arm business park capable of producing up to 150 million litres of bio-diesel per year could be in production as early as September this year.