Business View Australia - April 2015

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Business View Australia - April 2015 39
the largest installed capacity for producing bio-
diesel in the country, ARfuels is exploring alternate
feedstock sources so that it can expand production
when required. One of the most viable options be-
ing considered is the use of algae which has nu-
merous advantages as a raw material for manufac-
turing biodiesel. The yield per hectare when algae
is cultivated as a feedstock is a multiple of the yield
obtained from coconut or palm, which are popular
alternatives. Algae has the added advantage that
it can be cultivated on non-arable land and it uses
water that is unfit for other crops.
Pollution in Australian cities is not a major issue
yet. However, this is more due to natural causes
(the proximity of the ocean and the distance from
high-polluting areas in Asia), than to the amount of
pollution that the country generates. However, the
emissions from industry, agriculture and vehicles
in the country do contribute to global warming. As
Public opinion on these issues grows and the gov-
ernment takes steps to control and reduce emis-
sions, the demand for alternate fuels like biodiesel
can only increase. The greatest advantage that bio-
diesel enjoys is that the existing infrastructure of
storage facilities and petrol stations can be used
for biodiesel and vehicles require little or no modi-
fication to switch to this green fuel.
ARfuels is ideally positioned to take advantage
of the anticipated upturn in the demand for bio-
diesel in the country as it has the largest produc-
tion capacity, access to the best technologies and
a trained and experienced workforce.