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The benefits accrued through the use of Biodiesel - namely cleaner vehicle emissions, an improved quality of fuel over standard diesel resulting in a cleaner environment - were addressed at a press conference this week hosted by Edible Oil Refining Co Ltd.
The press conference, held at the company’s premises in Marsa was addressed by the Managing Director Nicholas Parnis England, Commercial Director Pippo Psaila and Alternattiva Demokratika’s Harry Vassallo and Arnold Cassola who both commended Edible Oil Company Ltd’s efforts in promoting an awareness towards a cleaner environment.
Addressing the press conference, Mr Psaila noted how this project, initiated by the company three years ago, not only involved a substantial amount of investment by the company but more so, involved the promotion of a change in culture and attitude. “We want to promote the fact that in today’s day and age, Malta’s environmental problems are almost unsustainable. We have invested in a system whereby through a chemical process called transesterification the glycerin is separated from fats and vegetable oils. The process leaves behind two products – methyl esters namely the chemical name for biodiesel, and glycerin, a valuable by product used for the production of soaps and other products.”
Mr Psaila added, “Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Independent studies in fact show the use of biodiesel in conventional diesel engines results in a substantial reduction of pollutants compared to petroleum diesel fuel. Besides providing a diversified energy mix and improving the quality of our air, expanding our domestic economy, and reducing our contribution to global warming, biodiesel is completely compatible with conventional petroleum diesel and therefore, it can be used to immediately and seamlessly transform a diesel fleet into a cleaner burning, alternatively fueled fleet without added investment.”
In fact, one of the major advantages of biodiesel is that it can be used in existing engines and fuel injection equipment with little impact to operating performance key to diesel users namely power, torque and fuel economy. Biodiesel is also being used in key agricultural markets in a low blend system to compliment a major fuel marketers premium diesel fuel program. Expansion is expected with marketers looking to set themselves apart from their competition.
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