Prof Sinkala urges more information on biofuels
Written by Nchima Nchito Jr
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 7:40:37 AM
BIOFUELS Association of Zambia (BAZ) chairman Prof Thomson Sinkala has said there is a need for Zambians to be informed about the benefits of the biofuels industry.
Responding to a press query, Prof Sinkala stated that it was important that the public was aware of what was involved in the bio-fuel industry.
“Our approach as Biofuels Association of Zambia is that the public at large in Zambia must be informed about the biofuels industry. The need for involvement by Zambians and the opportunities available for them must be spelt out,” he stated.
“The information must also articulate the issues of food security, contribution of biofuels to household economy, environment, and general law and order in relation to biofuels industry. For the targeted biofuels, namely bioethanol (for petrol), biodiesel (for diesel), bio-oils/vegetable oils (for kerosene), charcoal and biogas, appropriate know-how and information on activities from production to marketing for the selected feed stocks will have to be imparted to those involved, in order to minimize failures which may derail the targets.”
Prof Sinkala further cited the lack of knowledge concerning the bio-fuel industry, even among technocrats, as one of their biggest challenges.
“Decision makers often do not have time to peruse through the so many issues that confront them to manage socio-economic activities. Furthermore, they are often the targets by agents of misinformation who knowingly or unknowingly derail development programmes,” stated Prof Sinkala.
“It is important therefore that decision makers are availed with information about biofuels so that all Zambians have equitable opportunity to participate in the development of the biofuels industry.”
Labels: BIOFUELS, BIOFUELS ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA, THOMSON SINKALA
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BAZ urges speedy legislation on biofuel production
Written by Fridah Zinyama
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 3:25:55 AM
ZAMBIA will lose out on benefits of cleaner fuels if it does not speed
up legislation on biofuel production, the Biofuel Association of Zambia has said.
In an interview, BAZ chairperson Professor Thompson Sinkala said stakeholders in the sector were meeting the Energy Regulation Board to deal with issues concerning production of biofuels.
“Things are looking up but we feel that more could be done to hasten the process,” he said.
Prof Sinkala said the perception of renewable fuels on the international scene had greatly changed for the better and measures were being put in place to ensure increased production.
“For example, one of the campaign issues in the [United] States was how to improve and increase bio-fuels production,” he said. “From the wide acceptance of renewable fuels, there is a general view that biofuel consumption will increase over the years than fossil oils due to the green issues which are being pushed forward worldwide. Most countries have already started biofuel production but we are still looking at regulation.”
Prof Sinkala was however optimistic that once regulation issues were resolved, Zambia would begin production of biofuels as well.
Labels: BIOFUELS ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA, THOMSON SINKALA
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Proceed with biofuel plans, BAZ urges govt business
Written by Nchima Nchito
Thursday, November 27, 2008 12:01:19 PM
BIOFUELS Association of Zambia (BAZ) chairman Professor Thomson Sinkala has urged the government to proceed with the biofuel production plans despite falling prices of oil on international markets.
In an interview, Prof Sinkala said this was the best time for Zambia to attract investments in biofuel production when oil prices had tumbled.
“If anything, development of biofuels should be treated as an urgent matter now because of the current reductions in oil prices,” Prof Sinkala said.
He cited countries like the United States that were now looking towards biofuel production as good examples for Zambia.
“The President-elect of the US recently announced how his government will use biofuels and education to create 2.5 million jobs by 2011. Now the US is one of the biggest consumers of oil and I feel we can learn from their decision to develop biofuels,” he said.
When asked whether the reduction of crude oil prices was not a positive development as it would mean reduced pump prices of fuel on the local market, Prof Sinkala said it was important to look at both sides of an issue.
“It’s good yes, those prices have gone down but we have to understand the issues at hand. Oil is a non-renewable resource, meaning it will run out one day and the only way to keep it in supply is by discovering new oil deposits,” he said.
“Oil explorations are expensive to carry out and according to what I have been made to understand, for an exploration to be financially feasible, oil has to cost in the range of US $100 a barrel.”
Prof Sinkala added that because of the current low prices of oil, there was a possibility that exploration projects would be put on hold till the prices of oil stabilised.
“With this happening, it may in turn lead to shortages, hence pushing the prices of oil back up again. All in all, what I’m saying is that there is no reason for us to relax in our quest to develop biofuels” said Prof Sinkala.
Labels: BIOFUELS, BIOFUELS ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA, FUEL, OIL, THOMSON SINKALA
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