Northern Territory Government Minister for Economic and Regional Development, the Hon. Paul Henderson singled out Charles Darwin University’s engineering research team for special mention today saying the team’s involvement in trials examining an alternative diesel fuel additive could signal the ‘birth of a new era’ in bio-fuel development.
Mr Henderson was speaking at the launch of a joint partnership project involving CDU, Ausfuel and Natural Fuels Australia that saw a number of Darwin Government buses fill their tanks with Bio-Diesel, a fuel which contains 20 per cent processed palm oil.
The Minister also congratulated Ausfuel and Natural Fuels for displaying ‘absolute faith and confidence’ in the CDU engineer research team.
“First of all, let me say this partnership between Charles Darwin University, Ausfuel and Natural Fuels Australia and the subsequent development of this bio-diesel product really signals the start of the birth of a new industry,” said Mr Henderson.
“We have the opportunity to supply not only the Australian market but potentially to grow that market for export bio-diesel from Darwin to the rest of Asia is a very exciting opportunity.
“I’d like to just congratulate everyone for committing so early in the process and particularly for the partners to display such confidence in our university, it’s a wonderful team effort.”
CDU spokesman Mark Thiele, a key speaker at the launch, thanked the NT Government and the other joint partners for their confidence, support and ongoing assistance in the project.
“We are going to see buses, power generators, four-wheel-drive vehicles and even heavy machinery start to use this bio-diesel product, which is a very positive and encouraging sign,” said Mr Thiele.
“I would certainly like to take this opportunity in thanking the Minister and the NT Government, Darwin City Council, Darwin Bus Service and of course our good friends and partners Ausfuel and Natural Fuels Australia.”
The results of the bio-diesel trial should be known by late April 2006.
Download speech by Mark Thiele, Biodiesel project leader, School of Engineering and Logistics, Charles Darwin University
For more information on bio-diesel go to www.biodiesel.org.au.