Motorists would shortly start using ethanol as fuel following a successful trial by energy authorities. Local Scientists and engineers have in recent years been researching on how best ethanol could be introduced as an alternative vehicle fuel. The trial came against the background of continued use of petrol and diesel as the only reliable sources of fuel for cars and industries. Continued importation of fuel is one of the contributors to the country’s economic challenges as the authorities use substantial amount of forex to purchase petroleum products. Currently the country needs almost 30 million dollars to meet the monthly demand of fuel. And speaking to Capital fm, deputy director of energy affairs in the ministry of energy Joseph Kalowekamo disclosed that the research has proved that ethanol would successfully drive vehicles just like petrol and diesel. “when the national commission for science and technology was conducting the study there were two vehicles that were running on ethanol these vehicles are still running, we were supposed to pilot use of ethanol in the country in January this year so anytime this year we will pilot the use of ethanol” said Kalowekamo. He added that plans are underway to construct service stations at Capital hill, in Blantyre and in Mzuzu for the initiative but will focus on government fleet for a start. Ethanol is locally produced from sugar cane molasses which is commonly grown in Chikhwawa and Nkhota-Kota districts.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:53:02 +0000
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