Biodiesel Output Soars . . . Move Bodes well for rural industrialisation, modernisation thrust
Victor Maphosa recently in MUTOKO
Biodiesel production is set to rise to 75 000 litres from 3 000 litres per day following the upgrading of an engineering firm’s processing plant, giving impetus to the Second Republic’s rural industrialisation and modernisation drive. Located on the north-western fringes of Mutoko Centre, Finealt Engineering is a State-aided agency under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. The firm has been producing 3 000 litres of diesel daily from jatropha seeds. However, after the upgrade, the plant will produce more than 75 000 litres per day, demonstrating the Second Republic’s commitment to rural industrialisation and the power of education and training under the Heritage-based 5.0 model. Biodiesel is used as a sustainable replacement for petroleum diesel in various applications, including powering vehicles like cars, trucks and buses, as well as heavy-duty equipment for construction, agriculture, mining and marine vessels. The completion of the plant spawns industrialisation and modernisation to the rural area, creating jobs as well as providing a secure market for local farmers on their doorstep. Additionally, biodiesel functions as a powerful and non-toxic solvent for cleaning greasy engines and tools and can even be used as a lubricant additive to reduce friction in diesel engines. The successful production of biodiesel in Zimbabwe means the country can significantly reduce refined liquid fuel imports. In an interview, Finealt Engineering acting chief executive officer Mr Patrick Mpala said all the equipment for the massive production of biodiesel has been installed and ready for production. ReadMore