Sweet alternative to transform energy sector
Govt can bring green revolution by introducing hybrid fuel
PHOTO: FILE.
KARACHI:
The whole nation was eagerly waiting for the outcome of ultra-deep water drilling exercise by ExxonMobil and Eni in Kekra-1 around 280 km off Karachi shore.
Since the stakes were high, the disappointment from the unfavourable outcome is understandable. While it is necessary to keep exploring conventional fossil fuels and even non-conventional ones like shale deep under the surface, policymakers should not be shy away from utilising what is available on surface and in abundance ie biofuel.
It is high time that the policymakers explore all the available alternative and indigenous resources to meet growing energy needs and at the same time curb trade deficit. However, the good news is that it will not be the first time that we will revolutionise the fuel space of the country.
In fact, the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles during the early 1980s and subsequent commercialisation of CNG as an alternative motor fuel in 1992 is a prime example of what can be achieved with perseverance. In addition to the economical advantages of using CNG, we also managed to reduce the carbon footprint by using a more environment-friendly fuel mix.
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Let’s look at the global trend for biofuel and the distinct model adopted by the two top biofuel producers in the world ie the US (16 billion gallons) and Brazil (8 billion gallons). They both use different biomass ie corn and sugarcane respectively.
The Brazilian model to produce ethanol from sugarcane is very close to what can be easily adopted in Pakistan on a national scale and is more economical than the one used in the US. In this Brazilian model, there is an option to either produce ethanol directly from sugarcane juice or convert it into sugar and molasses and then further distillate molasses into ethanol.
However, the success of the Brazilian model is not just based on government incentives to farmers and better ethanol yield but also on the establishment of a whole ecosystem of efficient supply chain that brings sustainable growth.
Let’s carry out a cursory SWOT analysis to establish a sustainable biofuel ecosystem in Pakistan, which is the fifth largest sugarcane producer in the world with production levels of around 70-80 million tons. Sugarcane is mostly utilised by 90 sugar mills spread across the country to produce sugar as the main product while selling molasses and bagasse as byproducts.
Few of the mills have installed distillation facility either integrated with the main plant or associated with it with the added advantage to convert molasses into ethanol and industrial alcohol.
As far as the raw material to produce biofuel is concerned, the government has already set the sugarcane support price at Rs180 per 40kg, which incentivises the farmers to grow the crop. However, there are some issues of lower yield due to loss of sucrose content as a result of delay in the start of crushing season.
The main reason for this delay is usually the tussle between the politically influential mill owners and the farmers to get a better deal. These issues must be resolved to ensure timely commencement of crushing season to optimise the recovery of ethanol.
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Currently, the ethanol is mostly exported but the government can roll out a favourable policy to bring a green revolution by introducing the hybrid fuel. At first, a minimum of 10% ethanol blending (normally referred to as E10 globally) can be introduced at the filling station.
Although most cars on road these days can handle E10 easily, strict quality control is needed to minimise water content as ethanol is prone to absorb water, which may lead to internal corrosion.
The establishment of a sustainable blended fuel ecosystem requires all stakeholders from distilleries, to refineries to oil marketing companies to be on board and the Petroleum Division has to take the lead to re-create the success story of CNG revolution.
The writer is a financial market enthusiast and attached to Pakistan stocks, commodities and emerging technology
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2019.
The whole nation was eagerly waiting for the outcome of ultra-deep water drilling exercise by ExxonMobil and Eni in Kekra-1 around 280 km off Karachi shore.
Since the stakes were high, the disappointment from the unfavourable outcome is understandable. While it is necessary to keep exploring conventional fossil fuels and even non-conventional ones like shale deep under the surface, policymakers should not be shy away from utilising what is available on surface and in abundance ie biofuel.
It is high time that the policymakers explore all the available alternative and indigenous resources to meet growing energy needs and at the same time curb trade deficit. However, the good news is that it will not be the first time that we will revolutionise the fuel space of the country.
In fact, the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles during the early 1980s and subsequent commercialisation of CNG as an alternative motor fuel in 1992 is a prime example of what can be achieved with perseverance. In addition to the economical advantages of using CNG, we also managed to reduce the carbon footprint by using a more environment-friendly fuel mix.
PTI minister asks SAARC to cooperate in energy sector
Let’s look at the global trend for biofuel and the distinct model adopted by the two top biofuel producers in the world ie the US (16 billion gallons) and Brazil (8 billion gallons). They both use different biomass ie corn and sugarcane respectively.
The Brazilian model to produce ethanol from sugarcane is very close to what can be easily adopted in Pakistan on a national scale and is more economical than the one used in the US. In this Brazilian model, there is an option to either produce ethanol directly from sugarcane juice or convert it into sugar and molasses and then further distillate molasses into ethanol.
However, the success of the Brazilian model is not just based on government incentives to farmers and better ethanol yield but also on the establishment of a whole ecosystem of efficient supply chain that brings sustainable growth.
Let’s carry out a cursory SWOT analysis to establish a sustainable biofuel ecosystem in Pakistan, which is the fifth largest sugarcane producer in the world with production levels of around 70-80 million tons. Sugarcane is mostly utilised by 90 sugar mills spread across the country to produce sugar as the main product while selling molasses and bagasse as byproducts.
Few of the mills have installed distillation facility either integrated with the main plant or associated with it with the added advantage to convert molasses into ethanol and industrial alcohol.
As far as the raw material to produce biofuel is concerned, the government has already set the sugarcane support price at Rs180 per 40kg, which incentivises the farmers to grow the crop. However, there are some issues of lower yield due to loss of sucrose content as a result of delay in the start of crushing season.
The main reason for this delay is usually the tussle between the politically influential mill owners and the farmers to get a better deal. These issues must be resolved to ensure timely commencement of crushing season to optimise the recovery of ethanol.
Russia plans to invest $14b in Pakistan’s energy sector
Currently, the ethanol is mostly exported but the government can roll out a favourable policy to bring a green revolution by introducing the hybrid fuel. At first, a minimum of 10% ethanol blending (normally referred to as E10 globally) can be introduced at the filling station.
Although most cars on road these days can handle E10 easily, strict quality control is needed to minimise water content as ethanol is prone to absorb water, which may lead to internal corrosion.
The establishment of a sustainable blended fuel ecosystem requires all stakeholders from distilleries, to refineries to oil marketing companies to be on board and the Petroleum Division has to take the lead to re-create the success story of CNG revolution.
The writer is a financial market enthusiast and attached to Pakistan stocks, commodities and emerging technology
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2019.