IN A SIGNIFICANT boost for renewable energy initiatives, the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Kinoka Feo, presented a cheque of K200,000 to the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) for its ongoing biodiesel research project.
The presentation was made on Monday during his visit to PAU for the launching of the Biofuel Project Phase 3 where experimental testing for Biofuel was to be done on diesel engine trucks.
In the project overview provided by the lead researcher Ms. Linta Qalopui, funding was one major setback for the project.
Acting Chairman & CEO PNG Science & Technology Council Secretariat Dr. Kulala Mulung, also reiterated the need for funding as a challenge for this innovation.
“At times we had challenges. Not having funds on time or not having necessary resources at all. We remained committed and continued to believe that this was possible.”
He said that as with all innovations, there are challenges. With this project, the challenges are to organize collection systems for waste oil, processing technologies need to be upscaled affordably, and awareness campaigns must be conducted to encourage participation.
Minister Feo, acknowledging the pivotal role of such research in national development, expressed his keen interest in the project’s potential to address Papua New Guinea’s persistent fuel supply issues, which have historically led to significant disruptions like flight cancellations.
“I am really, really keen to see how this research will go,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s need to understand the cost-effectiveness of biodiesel compared to traditional diesel.
The Minister lauded the dedication of the research team, emphasising the potential of young Papua New Guineans to perform when given adequate support and opportunity.
It is noted that PAU does have a processing plant but had been sitting idle since 2018 due to a lack of funds, leading to widespread equipment issues.
The K200,000 given is expected to enable the PAU team to acquire the necessary equipment which is a new automated processor, proper storage tanks, and essential test kits to move into its crucial testing phase and accelerate the innovation, bringing PNG closer to a sustainable, homegrown fuel solution.
