BPPT Conducting Research On Creating Bio-Aviation Fuel From coconut

Jakarta, Sept 17 (Antara) - The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) is researching the potential of processing coconuts into bio-aviation fuel, Dr Erlan Rosyadi, the Renewable Energy Division`s senior researcher, stated here on Wednesday. "This is a second generation development. I have developed a catalyst that can convert coconut oil into bioavtur and can be used directly without mixing it with aviation fuel," he explained. Erlan claimed that he has experimented with various types of plant oil, such as palm oil and canola oil to be processed into bio-aviation fuel. The research has shown that coconut oil can most easily be processed into aviation fuel. "The key to converting biomass into bio-aviation fuel is the selectivity. The more dominant are the fractions contained in the biomass, the easier it is to be processed," Erlan affirmed. Erlan is of the viewpoint that all parts of the plant can be converted into renewable fuel. Since it needs extensive research, the government should support the development of this science in order to create alternative sources of renewable fuels to replace fossil fuels. He emphasized that Indonesia should develop a catalysts industry, so that it will no longer have to import these materials that result in an increase in the fuel price. In the meantime, Dr Arif Yudiarto, who is a technical specialist for biofuels, highlighted the similarity between fossil fuels and bio-fuel refineries. "The bio-fuel refinery is similar to the crude oil refinery and uses the same catalyst. The difference is that crude oil should be included in the oil refinery, while in the case of bio-oil refinery, all the biomass should be included. They will generate the same output of oils," he explained. He hoped that the government would build a biomass plant, as in fact, Indonesia has abundant natural resources, and the idea to replace fossil fuels with environmentally friendly fuels has become a global goal to save the Earth.