Science and Education, December 18, 2008
Biofuels in Argentina
Biofuel production is experiencing a steady growth due to the fact that companies have adopted an exporting role. Argentina may have a demand for 600,000 cubic meters of biodiesel and 250,000 cubic meters of ethanol by 2010.
The development of biofuels constitutes an alternative to fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil and natural gas. In the last few years, Argentina has become a leading producer and exporter of biofuels in light of the raw materials (oil seeds, sugars, etc) available for its production. At present, several local and multinational companies producing biofuels are regulated by law number 26,093 (Regulation and Promotion System for Production and Sustainable Use of Biofuels). This law has set a goal: by 2010, 5% of the diesel fuel consumed in Argentina must be biodiesel.
Based upon this production boosting incentive policy, it will be mandatory to use 5% bioethanol blended with gasolines for 2012. According to official data, Argentina may have a demand for 600,000 cubic meters of biodiesel and 250,000 cubic meters of ethanol by 2010.
In the face of companies’ major investments in technology and innovation, scientific research on bioenergetics, the growing demand for renewable fuels worldwide and the state’s encouragement, Argentina stands as a suitable place for biofuel development.
Argetina by Specialists Blog
Jorge Hilbert, Coordinator of the PNB (National Program on Bioenergy, an INTA’s office), explains the importance that biofuel production and use presents and Argentina’s outlooks on this matter.
National Program on Bioenergy
The National Program on Bioenergy by INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology) promotes, within the bounds of public policies, the development of sustainable bioenergy from agricultural and forestry raw materials.
Important Cases
Oil Fox, which has produced biofuels since 1997, is currently using algae oil as a source for biodiesel.
Rosario Bio Energy develops biological liquid fuels from agricultural raw materials. At present, a modern plant is being set up in Roldán, Santa Fé.
The Bio Top Project identifies technical opportunities and research needs when it comes to biofuels in Latin America and Europe. The projects aims at fostering cooperation and joint efforts amongst participant countries.
San Luis’ Pitey is the first Argentine company producing biofuel at industrial scale at its own plant. Amongst their customers are transport, agricultural and ship companies, fuel distributors, and distillery plants.
Tucuman´s Compañía Azucarera Los Balcanes is a sugar company which owns the largest ethanol distillery plant in Argentina and is intending to produce corn and sorghum-based ethanol in the short run.
Dynamotive is planning to set up four bio-oil plants in Corrientes. This fuel is used to generate power and heating for industries.
Latests news
An in-depth analysis, from the expansion of bio-diesel to what is happening with corn and sugar cane.
Even though biodiesel withholdings have shown a 15-point rise since March, the plants scheduled to begin operating will achieve a 500,000 ton increase in this year´s production.
Chubut Governor Mario Das Neves inaugurated a biodiesel refinery (the first entirely Argentine-made one) in the city of Comodoro Rivadavia, which will produce 30.000 liters of ecological fuel a day.
Luis Eugenio Becerra, Minister of Production in Formosa, Argentina stated that English and American investors have shown interest in buying plots of land in that province for investment purposes.
Specialists in the field of renewable energy have analyzed in a conference the future of a growing business.
Dozens of megaprojects will be conducted all around the country in 2008. Against this backdrop, exports for u$s1.200 million dollars are expected to be achieved.
This money will be for biodiesel and ethanol plants to be opened during the next two years.
The Government of Santiago del Estero and a Dutch company signed an agreement for the production of jatropha, a crop able to produce biodiesel from it. This project will include the participation of 4.000 small and medium producers of Santiago del Estero.
Argentina´s Productive and Scientific Development
The eolic energy production in Argentina has grown remarkably due to the construction of major eolic Parks, which primarily rely on energy-rich Patagonian winds in order to generate renewable energy.
Hand in hand with this State Society, Argentina exports nuclear reactors, satellites and medical equipment to the rest of the world. It represents the latest technology completely designed and developed in our country.
Is one of the central points of the strategy of scientific development, and also of the productive development in Argentina. Companies with technological foundations generate investigation and products, known all around the world.
At present, the scientific tradition in the country gives way to the possibility of developing important research in nanotechnology and also to many local companies the use of this technique to manufacture innovative products.
