Republica: Nepal Oil Corporation eyes eco-fuel technology

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has said it is exploring possibilities of bringing in a Russian eco-fuel technology, which could reduce country’s diesel import by 20 percent and also lower the cost of the industrial fuel.

“NITTI, the research institute is the developer and patent holder of the technology. Using it, NOC can blend 20 percent water, benzene and other chemicals in diesel, thereby reducing environmental pollution and cost,” said Dr Santosh Ananda Mishra, former director of Nepal Electricity Authority.

He claimed that the technology will render diesel more environmental friendly and help lower its cost, thereby providing pricing and foreign exchange benefits to Nepal. However, none of the officials disclosed whether the technology is proven and well received in other parts of the world.

Experts said the technology could be based on ion exchange method, a process through which hydrogen and oxygen are separated from water, and treating diesel with it along with various chemicals.

As institutes across the world are researching new ways to address current energy challenge, they did not rule out the effectiveness of the technology. But they cautioned NOC to be careful on not letting the company experiment its technology in Nepal, if that has not been proven elsewhere.

At the same time, they also cautioned the officials to be alert on cost factor, security, commercial applications, impact on engines and other technical aspects.

The institute, however, has sought NOC to assure and sign an agreement with it to make arrangements for supplying the fuel to its blending units and paying service charge for the blending work.

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