KARACHI: Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has taken an initiative towards alternative fuels by launching a pilot project for production of bio-diesel. For this purpose, the PSO has developed Jatropha Model Farm at Marshalling Yard, Pipri, Karachi.
Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf, visited the PSO’s bio-diesel nursery on Monday, said a press release issued. During his visit, PSO Managing Director Irfan K Qureshi briefed him on the progress of this project and the roadmap for further development. The minister was informed that the PSO has selected non-edible plants like Jatropha Curas for the production of bio-diesel.
Jatropha oil has very low sulphur contents (0.13 per cent) versus 1 per cent of perto-diesel and it increases soil fertility. The oil extracted from its seeds blends well with petro-diesel because of its unique characteristics.
Ashraf said that challenges being faced by Pakistan in the energy sector are also hampering the country’s economy. He exhorted the need for developing a local base of alternative energy sources on fast-track basis.
He hoped that the project would be opening a new era with the development of green and economical indigenous energy resources. “The government always wanted to reduce dependence on imported oil and control environmental pollution,” he added.
