Production of biodiesel and bio lubrications for the needs of Slovenian market
Project duration
2007 - 2009
Project Category
SLO
Contact Information
Partners
- Slovenian Institute for Hop Research and Brewing (Slovenia)
- Biotechnical Faculty, UL (Slovenia)
- PINUS TKI d.d. (Slovenia)
- Agrokombinat Maribor d.d. (Slovenia)
The presented Slovenian project is multidisciplinary in nature and relates to the scope of several ministries. Its aim is to systemically analyze the potential production of biodiesel from relevant agricultural crops (oilseeds) in Republic of Slovenia and to vertically integrate research-development and commercial partners.
In October 1998 Slovenia has signed and in July 2002 ratified the Kyoto protocol with which it committed itself that it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8 percent between years 2008 and 2012 compared to base year 1986. Obligation to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol apply to six groups of gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. If we are to meet the Kyoto Protocol and the provisions of the directive 30/2003, Slovenia will have to provide at least 26.000 tonnes of biofuels annually.
Good biodegradability, low toxicity, very good lubricating properties, low volatility and high viscosity index, which even additivated mineral oils can not achieve, are the main virtues of natural vegetable oils from which biodiesel can be produced.
In the field of blending biodiesel into diesel raw material origin is very important. Moreover it a continuous supply of feedstock for biodiesel with adequate quality needs to be ensured. Research worldwide is continuing towards identifying suitable crops and towards improving of oil yields of the existing crops. To provide continuous flow of raw materials with a sufficient quality the technology of biodiesel production also needs to be further improved.