Biodiesel uses cooking oil, reduces CO₂ emissions

Although the company only became operational earlier this year, it also supplies biodiesel for Pick n Pay and Spar delivery trucks. By using a biodiesel/diesel mix, they will reduce their carbon emissions by approximately 1000 tonnes in the Western Cape over the next year.

The company uses one of the first patented Jet Reactor, invented by Org Nieuwoudt, to convert waste oil from restaurants and retailers, to an environmentally friendly fuel that can be used as a mixture with, or a substitute for, diesel.

Monthly tests on its finished product have certified that the company consistently meets international standards. Biodiesel has a minimal impact on the environment. It is non toxic, has a higher flash point than mineral diesel so it is safer to handle, and has reduced exhaust emissions in comparison - 400L biodiesel exchanged for the same volume of diesel will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by 1 tonne.

“60% of the brown smog that often sits over Cape Town is created by diesel emissions,” said Dave Morison, production manager of the company, who has a background in atmospheric sciences. Switching to biofuels will help to reduce this pollution.

The company, based in Cape Town, will open in Johannesburg in November and plans to expand operations to Port Elizabeth and Durban by mid-2010.