IT IS WIDELY known that the major oil companies support the introduction of a national biofuels industry strategy and will ultimately play an important part in the success of the programme. While the oil majors are most likely to follow the course that best suits their respective commercial objectives, there are issues and considerations that apply to all, regardless of individual marketing strategies. 

Among these concerns resides the reliability and sustainability of the feedstock supply chain. The suppliers of regular diesel are unlikely to accept biodiesel blends that do not consistently conform to a recognised standard that complies with SANS 1935 (biodiesel) and SANS 342 (road diesel). Oil companies are mindful that users expect to be supplied with products that suit their vehicles and operations and that are acceptable to the relevant vehicle and engine manufacturers. 

Producers with the potential to produce large quantities of biodiesel will be better placed to afford recognised tests to confirm their product is consistently compliant with claimed standards. The production of biofuels does not exclude any number of small producers from entering the market using whatever feedstock is available to them. 

Local biodiesel producers need to determine which feedstock(s) and production method is best suited to meeting the needs of the market. Unfortunately the production of biodiesel is technically and logistically complicated. 

Biodiesel produced using the wellknown catalytic process (FAME) compared to the high pressure hydrogenated process (the Neste process) results in biodiesel fuels with diverse characteristics and production costs. Do-it-yourself biodiesel kits are easily available at a relatively modest cost. However, these are unlikely to produce a quality product in terms of basic fundamentals such as an acceptable cetane rating. 

A significant potential problem for oil companies and larger biodiesel producers is what happens to poor quality (off-spec) biodiesel products that have not been sold? Does it mean the petroleum industry and vehicle operators will be subjected to another round of fuel cocktails as we experienced in the diesel/paraffin era? Off-spec biodiesel can damage engines and prove an expensive exercise for anyone who has not taken steps to qualify what they are putting into their fuel tanks. 

Let’s not forget that in terms of the Petroleum Products Amendment Act (PPA), the oil companies may not produce or sell “off-spec” products. However, retailers are not subject to this constraint. The role major oil companies will play in the emerging biofuels industry is unlikely to become clear until investment in biofuel production facilities are confirmed and meaningful discussions on these and many other issues take place. Whether the oil companies go farming is a question that must remain unanswered at this time. 

In South Africa - as in other countries - the hype around biofuels has created a level of optimistic anticipation that going green will prove to be a panacea. Some see an immediate improvement in climate control, others see an exciting opportunity to cash in on quick profits; some are hoping for a new source of job creation and then there are those who hope it will mean cheaper fuel for their vehicles and even improved fuel-efficiency. 

Again, as in other countries, there has to date been a paucity of meaningful controlled tests, especially on-the-road tests. With this in mind, it was refreshing to talk with Dr Andrew Taylor, managing director at CAE (Stellenbosch Automotive Engineering (Pty) Ltd), a spin-off company of Stellenbosch University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. CAE operate the large testing infrastructure of the ADE factory in Atlantis and will shortly commence comprehensive biodiesel bench and on-road tests. CAE is locally and internationally recognised as competent to undertake engine performance and durability, fuel and lubricants and engine emissions testing. 

Dr Taylor agrees biodiesel is a complex subject that requires a lot of knowledge and management. CAE is keen to see the role players and stakeholders get together and develop a local standard that best meets our agricultural capability on a sustainable basis to produce a quality product that is best suited to the southern African vehicle parc.