A GOOD number of vehicles lined up Solomon Tropical Products’ compound yesterday as news about the successful conversion of coconut oil into diesel flashed.
Local industrial scientist who spearheaded the successful conversion, Francis Kapini, said many truck owners expressed interest and support towards the locally made diesel.
“Most truck drivers who lined up the compound said they are very excited to learn of the breakthrough because it is not only affordable but involved grassroots copra farmers,” Mr Kapini said.
Many people also called the Solomon Star office keen to know more about the coconut bio diesel.
“We heard that coconut diesel can get thick when a vehicle is left overnight in the cold?” one caller asked.
But Mr Kapini said they have overcome that matter.
“That is a thing of the past as at this stage, the coconut bio diesel is pure diesel.
“It is the glisarine component of the oil that normally made the oil thick, but for now, we have successfully overcome that problem. It is no longer coconut oil, it’s coconut bio diesel and is exactly the same as the imported diesel,” he said.
He said truck owners should only worry if the temperature here drops below five degrees.
“It will only get thick in countries where it’s freezing cold, but for us, the temperature hardly drops down to five degrees.”
He said truck owners do not have to worry if there is diesel still left in their vehicles and want to refill coconut bio diesel.
“That is even better.
“There will never be any reactions because it will blend in smoothly with the diesel.
“You can refill your vehicle with coconut bio diesel and refill the imported diesel at the same time.”
Mr Kapini said he understands the government advocates clean environment and support steps to address climate change.
“If that support for climate change is to be practical, this is a significant and practical undertaking that address some of the climate change issues.”
The coconut bio diesel is now selling at $8.32 per litre, $0.54c less than the imported diesel.
By EDNAL PALMER
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