SE YOUNG WORLD BY SONIA PARDESI499214/Appendix_A_Table3l.pdfgadgets run by solar energy at Sri Venkateswara Vignana Mandiram on Sunday, the Minister, as part of the Rajiv Gandhi Akshay

Page 1 © 2014 Factiva, Inc. All rights reserved.

SE YOUNG WORLD

HD Science is exciting

BY SONIA PARDESI

WC 173 words

PD 1 September 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 06

LA English

CY (c) 2006 Kasturi & Sons Ltd

LP Initiative to showcase the skills of budding scientists...

Science, they say, has the capability to dig out unknown facts, explain the unexplained and

empower minds. This was observed in the students who participated in the Regional Science

Exhibition hosted by Kendriya Vidyalaya School (KVS) Bangalore.

TD Good presentations

The 44 participating teams from KVS schools had an exclusive style of presentationwhereby

they demonstrated the workings of their models. Some of the innovative models were on:

Integrated Culture, that includes sericulture, horticulture, aqua culture and silvi culture;

Sewage Water Treatment, an incinerator used for Industrial chemistry, where non bio-

degradable wastes are burnt; tissue culture, the use of the Pongamia plant to extract oil and

fodder for the cattle, and conical city dwelling to facilitate terrace gardening.

The presentation skills of the children, typified the willingness to learn and enhance their

existing skills. An initiative like this at such a young age confirms the statement that each of

Page 2 of 289 © 2014 Factiva, Inc. All rights reserved.

these young ones is a little scientist in the making.

NS gedu : Education | gcat : Political/General News

PUB Kasturi & Sons Ltd

AN Document THINDU0020060831e2910000e


HD BIOFUELS IN INDIA (bioethanol is produced from molasses and is the commonly used

biofuel)

CR COMMODITY INDIA. Aug 31, 2006; pg 32

WC 272 words

PD 31 August 2006

SN Indian Business Insight

SC WIBI

LA English

CY Copyright (c) 2006 Informatics (India) Ltd.

LP The production and usage of biofuels in India was triggered by the need to reduce

dependency on imported oils and substitute petroleum fuels. Bioethanol is the commonly

used biofuel and is produced from molasses, which is a byproduct of the sugar industry. India

produces 1.25 million tonnes of ethanol every year. Experiments are being carried out to

produce ethanol from sugarcane juice, beet, tapioca, sweet sorghum, wheat and potatoes.

There are 125 bioethanol plants in India with a capacity to produce 1,250 million litres of

ethanol every year. The Government of India has set up a Committee on Development of

Biofuels in 2003 to encourage the use of biofuels. The National Mission on Biofuels has

invested Rs9 crore in 2004-2005 and allocated Rs45 crore for bio fuels in 2006-2007. The

Government has made the blending of five percent ethanol with petrol compulsory in nine

States and four Union Territories.

TD The country engages in crushing oilseeds like Jatropa and Pongamia to extract oil, which can

be mixed with diesel. The Uttaranchal bio-fuel Board has undertaken Jatropa plantation over

an area of one lakh hectares and will produce 100 million litres of bio-diesel. Similar

programmes have been implemented in Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. Bio-diesel has

been used to run cars, buses and trains. In Dec 2002 the Shatabdi Express ran on five

percent blend of bio diesel from Delhi to Amritsar. Tata Motors runs 43 buses in Pune on 10-

percent bio diesel.

RF 695565|ABSTRACT|MONTHLY


CO telco : Tata Motors Limited | tata : Tata Group

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | ibioful : Biofuels | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural

Gas | i25 : Chemicals | imet : Metals/Mining | i1 : Energy | iaut : Automobiles

NS nabst : Abstract | ncat : Content Types

RE india : India | asiaz : Asia | devgcoz : Emerging Market Countries | dvpcoz : Developing

Economies | indsubz : Indian Subcontinent | sasiaz : Southern Asia

IPD Fireplace-logs-and-fuel-briquettes-299962.000 | Ethanol-286916.008 | Chemical-Industry |

Oil-And-Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Mining-Minerals-and-Metallurgy |

Products-and-services

PUB Informatics (India) Ltd.

AN Document WIBI000020061017e28v0002l


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Tap solar power, says Minister

BY Staff Reporter

WC 284 words

PD 21 August 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Kanna inaugurates exhibition of gadgets run on solar energy

TD People urged to think about long-term savings NEDCAP trying to promote power-saving

equipment Minister for Cooperation Kanna Lakshmi Narayana has called upon people to

reduce dependence on conventional sources of energy like petroleum products and coal and

try to increase sourcing their energy needs from solar power. Inaugurating an exhibition of

gadgets run by solar energy at Sri Venkateswara Vignana Mandiram on Sunday, the Minister,

as part of the Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Divas celebration, said that lighting and hot water

needs could be met through solar energy in which sufficient levels of technological perfection

had been achieved. Eco-protection People should think of long-term savings while making

small investments on installing equipment running on solar energy. With the power position

not very good during the summer season, people could switch over to power-saving lamps,

solar panels-powered lanterns and all apartment complexes must install a water heating

system to save power bills for at least four to five months a year. Protection of environment

was the buzzword at the meeting organized by the Non-conventional Energy Development

Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NEDCAP). Its District Manager G. Harnadh Babu said that it

was trying to promote all kinds of power saving equipment by selling them even though the

eSeva centres. Bio-diesel generating plant `jathropha' and `pongamia' were being promoted

on a large scale, district Collector G. Jayalakshmi said . A blood donation camp was


organized by Scouts and Guides in Guntur on Sunday to celebrate the birth anniversary of

former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Scouts and Guides coordinator Prattipati Srinivasa Rao

spoke.

IN isolar : Solar Energy | i1 : Energy | i16 : Electricity/Gas Utilities | i16101 : Electric Power

Generation | i163 : Electric Power Generation - Alternative Energy

NS genv : Environmental News | gcat : Political/General News


AN Document THINDU0020060820e28l0008m


SE STATES

HD AP to set up bio-diesel plantations in 13 dists

BY Our Bureau

WC 193 words

PD 21 August 2006

SN Business Line (The Hindu)

SC BSNLNE

PG 15

LA English

CY (c) 2006 The Hindu Business Line

LP Govt to offer financial support to plantation farmers

Hyderabad , Aug. 20

TD The Andhra Pradesh Government plans to take up cultivation of bio-diesel plants in 13

districts under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (NREGP), the Chief

Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, announced on Sunday.

Financial support ,

The State Government also plans to financially support, to the tune of Rs 3,500 per acre,

farmers interested in bio-diesel plantation, the Chief Minister said at the `Rajiv Gandhi Akshay

Urja Diwas' (Renewable Energy Day) organised by the Non-Conventional Energy

Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NEDCAP).

The Government proposes to go in for plantation of Pongamia and Jatropa on at least 1 lakh

acre of land in each of the 13 districts under the NREGP programme during this year, Dr

Reddy said.


Further, the Government also plans to create marketing facilities for bio-diesel produced

under the scheme.

The Chief Minister also said his Government proposes to support more schemes aimed at

promoting bio-diesel cultivation on a large scale. The Government also plans to introduce

energy related curriculum.

IN ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy | ialtful : Alternative Fuels

NS c13 : Regulation/Government Policy | c24 : Capacity/Facilities | ccat : Corporate/Industrial

News | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E Industry News Filter




AN Document BSNLNE0020060820e28l0001y


SE REGIONAL

HD 200 villages selected for planting saplings in Guntur district

BY Staff Reporter

WC 325 words

PD 20 August 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Kanna asks schoolchildren to take the lead in this regard

TD The target is 47 saplings throughout the State Pongamia trees are major revenue-earners

Vana Samrakshana Samithis asked to do their bit A minimum of 2 lakh saplings will be

planted during the current monsoon season in 200 identified villages in Guntur district Minister

for Cooperation and Transport Kanna Lakshmi Narayana said on Saturday. Participating in

the 57th Vanamahotsavam orgnised by the Department of Forests Social Forestry Division at

Zilla Parishad High School in Atchempet he said that protecting the environment was possible

only when students took up the challenge of bringing up shade-bearing saplings in their

schools and around their house. Alarming trend About 47 crore saplings would be planted

through Forest Department and other agencies throughout the State to improve the green

cover in the State, which was fast coming down. The Government was targeting planting of

trees in 12 lakh hectares, the Minister added. Chief Conservator of Forests D. Nalani Mohan,

DFOs O. Selvaraj, Gopinath and other speakers stressed growing pongamia trees in the dry

areas like Atchempet and Krosuru so that it helped in getting them revenue as this was being

used for bio-diesel on a large scale these days. About 220 seedlings were planted on the ZP

High School premises and these plants were adopted one student each. Social Forestry DFO

Jyothi said that the department was trying to promote evergreen, shade-bearing varieties in

the common areas and fruit-bearing plants in each house in the 200 identified villages. People


take interest in the fruit-bearing trees and protect them to grow into trees, she observed.

While each house had to grow one, the Vana Samrakshana Samithis were also being

encouraged to grow trees and protect them. Zilla Parishad Chairperson Kuchipudi Vijaya also

participated in the programme and planted a tree on the school premises.

NS genv : Environmental News | glife : Living/Lifestyle | gcat : Political/General News


AN Document THINDU0020060819e28k0003e


SE REGIONAL

HD Minister lists flood relief measures

BY Correspondent

WC 412 words

PD 16 August 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Over five lakh persons extended immediate succour

Minister for Animal Husbandry Gollapalli Surya Rao has said the Government is doing its best

to provide succour to those affected by floods.

TD Delivering the Independence Day address here on Tuesday, Mr. Surya Rao said that 456

villages were affected by floods which displaced 5.66 lakh persons in the district.

Stating that floods claimed 35 lives, he said it was the duty of everyone to extend the

necessary help to the victims, particularly farmers.

Listing relief measures initiated by the Government, he said immediate succour was provided

to 5.50 lakh persons by organising 176 relief camps. Four helicopters, eleven launches and

226 boats were pressed into service to carry out rescue and relief operations. He said that

1.65 lakh food packets, 22 lakh water packets, 6.30 lakh milk packets, 7,000 kg milk powder,

biscuits, bread, rice and other commodities were distributed.

Welfare programmes


Under the first phase of the Indiramma scheme, several welfare programmes were being

implemented at a cost of Rs. 823 crores in 369 village panchayats. He also gave a brief

account of the development made by the district in various fields.

Later the Minister and the Collector felicitated four freedom fighters - S. Venkateswerlu, Ch.

Hanumantha Rao, Ramayanam and Chakramma.

Forest managment

: With a view of improving the living standards of people, the forest cover is being increased

through collective forest management and comprehensive forest fire prevention programmes,

the Minister for Forests, S. Vijayarama Raju said.

In his Independence Day message to the people of Vizianagaram district, Mr. Raju, who

unfurled the National Flag at the Police grounds here, said nurseries of neelgiri, bamboo,

pongamia and other varieties were being raised in 3,500 acres during the current fiscal.

Detailing the progress made and welfare programmes being implemented through various

Government departments, the Minister said Rs.4.73 crores would be sanctioned to ground

8,600 units under TRICOR this year for the benefit of tribals.

He said 4,400 tribal farmers were supplied 121 metric tonnes of paddy and maize seeds on

subsidy. He felt development is possible if only weaker sections were uplifted. He said an

action plan was prepared to extend benefits to 8,000 tribals under the Ìndiraprabha'

programme. The Minister said houses would be constructed under Ìndira Awas Yojana'

scheme for those who lost their dwellings in the recent heavy rain and floods in the district.

NS gntdis : Natural Disasters/Catastrophes | gcat : Political/General News | gdis :

Disasters/Accidents | grisk : Risk News




AN Document THINDU0020060815e28g0005z


SE Commodity

HD Energy demand to drive up oilseed, sugarcane growth

WC 304 words

PD 11 August 2006

SN The Economic Times

SC ECTIM

LA English

CY (c) 2006 The Times of India Group. All rights reserved.

LP BANGALORE: Energy will be a key driver for the growth of the oilseeds and sugar sectors in

the country, the director general of Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Mangala

Rai, said on Thursday. "States like Karnataka have immense potential in crops like sorghum,

which can be used for developing ethanol for blending with petrol," he said. His comments

come at a time when faced with a rising crude oil import bill, the Centre is pushing for an

ethanol (made from sugarcane) doping.

Making out a strong case for promoting Pongamia Pinnata (which is gaining ground as a key

biofuel crop), Mr Rai said plantation of Pongamia could be encouraged across the 107m

hectares of fallow land in the country.

TD Referring to edible oils, he said there was a need to promote rice bran oil. "Our annual rice

output can easily yield around a million tonnes of rice bran oil - which is considered to be

healthy," he added. It would be pertinent here to mention that edible oil imports ranks among

the top five items in our trade basket, costing the nation over $4bn annually.

Mr Rai said Indians had the habit of throwing or discarding the oilmeal derived after extracting

oil from oilseeds. "Soyameal is one prime example. It has 50% protein content compared to

the 20-25% that one derives in pigeonpea, but we export close to seven million tonnes of

soyameal every year. We should look at promoting more valueadded use of soyameal," he

added.

On edible oil imports, Mr Rai said, while Indian imports topped the five milllion tonne mark,


there had been some key achievement like the annual per capita output of oil palm (of three

tonnes) in India was on par with the major producers like Malaysia and Indonesia.

IN i411 : Vegetable Oils | i41 : Food/Beverages/Tobacco | ifood : Food Products

NS c311 : Domestic Markets | medoil : Edible Oils Markets | m14 : Commodity Markets | c31 :

Marketing | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | m141 : Agricultural Commodity Markets | mcat :

Commodity/Financial Market News | mgroil : Grains/Edible Oils Markets | ncat : Content

Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfce : FC&E Exclusion Filter | nfcpin : FC&E Industry News

Filter

PUB Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

AN Document ECTIM00020060810e28b0000b


HD NANDAN BIOMATRIX OPENS FACILITY AT AGRI-SCIENECE PARK (for production of bio-

diesel using several feedstocks like jatropha and pongamia)

CR BIOSPECTRUM. Jul 31, 2006; pg 12

WC 98 words

PD 31 July 2006


SC WIBI

LA English


LP Nandan Biomatrix Ltd has commissioned a new bio-diesel facility for research and

development (R&D) and process and formulation at Agri-Science Park (ASP) of International

Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad. The plant will use several

feedstocks, such as jatropha and pongamia, for production of bio- diesel. In addition, it is

likely to standardise herbal extracts, manufacture standard bulk extracts and speciality

formulations.

RF 693815|ABSTRACT|MONTHLY

CO nabaff : Nandan Biomatrix Ltd

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural Gas | imet : Metals/Mining | i01001 :

Agriculture | i1 : Energy

NS c24 : Capacity/Facilities | nabst : Abstract | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content

Types



IPD Fireplace-logs-and-fuel-briquettes-299962.000 | Oil-And-Natural-Gas | Agriculture-

Horticulture-And-Forestry | Mining-Minerals-and-Metallurgy | Startups-and-closures


AN Document WIBI000020061007e27v0002r


HD Nandan Biomatrix opens facility at Agri-Scienece Park.

WC 83 words

PD 31 July 2006

SN Biospectrum

SC BIOSP

PG 12

VOL 4

LA English

CY (c) 2006 Elsevier Engineering Information www.ei.org

LP Nandan Biomatrix Ltd has commissioned R&D, process and formulation, and biodiesel plant

at Agri-Science Park (ASP) of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

in Hyderabad. The plant will use several feedstocks such as jatropha, pongamia etc for

production of biodiesel. In addition, it is likely to standardize herbal extracts, manufacture

standard bulk extracts and speciality formulations.

BioSpectrum Vol. 4 No. 7

TD Website: http://www.biospectrumindia.com

CO nabaff : Nandan Biomatrix Ltd

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i257 : Pharmaceuticals | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i01001 :

Agriculture | i1 : Energy

NS c23 : Research/Development | c24 : Capacity/Facilities | ceffic : Corporate Process Redesign |

nabst : Abstract | c41 : Management Issues | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content

Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E Industry News Filter



IPD 28693 Petroleum and Oil Additives | 2833 Medicinal Chemicals and Botanicals

PUB Elsevier Science Ltd.

AN Document BIOSP00020060922e27v00003

http://www.biospectrumindia.com/



SE OPINION

HD FDI in agriculture

WC 97 words

PD 28 July 2006


SC BSNLNE

PG 10

LA English


LP This is with reference to the editorial "Sowing FDI" (Business Line, July 25): It is true that 100

per cent FDI in the agricultural sector will be a boost for farmers. Plantations of such crops as

Jatropha curacas, Pongamia and other types of oil-bearing trees could be cultivated.

The foreign investment will not create problems for farmers, in fact, it will help them earn more

and improve their life-styles.

TD S. A. Alagarsamy ,

Chennai ,

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

IN iagins : Agriculture Insurance | i82 : Insurance | i82003 : Non-life Insurance

NS efdi : Foreign Direct Investment | nedc : Commentary/Opinion | e51 : Trade/External

Payments | e511 : Capital Movements/Invisible Trade | ecat : Economic News | ncat : Content

Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpex : FC&E Executive News Filter





AN Document BSNLNE0020060727e27s0004x


SE REGIONAL

HD Bangalore students develop bio-fuel stove

BY Special Correspondent

WC 256 words

PD 17 July 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP It could come in handy for people in rural areas

Three students from the Ambedkar Institute of Technology here have developed a bio-fuel

pressure-cooking stove, which is operated on different blends of bio-fuels, including pongamia

and jatropa. The stove could come in handy for people in rural areas, particularly those

depending on firewood. R. Harish Kumar, K. Giri Kumar and C.H. Hanumantha, final year

mechanical engineering students, have developed the bio-fuel stove at a cost of Rs. 1,750.

TD The stove has a vaporiser, burner head and a fuel tank. For the benefit of villagers, a biogas

burner can be used as an additional/emergency burner. The stove has been put to several

tests over the past six months to ensure that it complied with the safety standards.

The stove has advantages such as multi-fuel compatibility, smoke free, durable, minimal

maintenance, and easy to install and operate. It will also go a long way in conserving fossil

fuels (up to 25 to 30 per cent) compared to open air cooking using firewood. In the prototype

of the stove, pressure is induced into the tank which in turn pumps the fuel into the oil line.

The flow of fuel is regulated with a valve within the oil line. The vaporiser is connected to the

oil line. Within this tube vaporisation of fuel takes place due to the heat of the flame.

Simultaneously during vaporisation, cracking of the bio-fuel molecules takes place.



NS c23 : Research/Development | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News




AN Document THINDU0020060716e27h0002i


SE Bangalore

HD Engg students develop biofuel stove

BY Swati Anand

WC 368 words

PD 12 July 2006

SN The Times of India

SC TOI

LA English

CY (c) 2006 The Times of India Group

LP BANGALORE: It's not just complex mechanisms and electronic gadgets, but also everyday

kitchen appliances that catch the fancy of engineering students.

Harish Kumar R, GiriKumar K and Hanumantha C H of Ambedkar Institute of Technology

have developed a biofuel pressure cooking stove. It can be operated on different blends of

biofuels like pongamia oil and jatropha oil, or even fossil fuels like kerosene. The vaporiser,

burner head and tank have been designed in keeping with the chemical, physical and

combustion properties of biofuels.

TD For the benefit of rural users, a biogas burner has also been installed. The principle of the

stove is simple. Pressure is induced into the tank, due to which fuel flows into oil line. The fuel

flux is regulated with a valve in the oil line.

The vapouriser which is connected to the oil line, causes the cracking of biofuel molecules.

Hence, recombination products deposited on the inner wall of the vapouriser, can be opened

and cleaned with a brush. The nozzle is located at the end of the vapouriser.

After leaving the nozzle, the stream of vapourised plant oil mixes with ambient air. The fuel--

air mixture is gathered in the gas collection tube of the burner head. While leaving the burning

head, the mixture incinerates and burns. To aid incineration, an asbestos piece is ignited

beneath the vapouriser.


M P Birla Institute of Fundamental Research is conducting a 100--hour Certificate Course in

astronomy and astrophysics every Saturday for II-- and III--year BSc students with physics as

one of their main subjects and for students of Engineering (II and III year BE/BTech level)

having an aptitude for astronomy and astrophysics from August to December.

The course begins on August 5. Interested students may call 2238 5956--7 and 5695 9780 or

mail gsdbabu@ vsnl.net. The last date for submitting application forms is July 28.

M S Ramaiah Institute of Management held its tenth convocation last week. As many as 197

beaming students away with post--graduate diplomas in management. While the best all--

rounder award was bagged by Rohan Bhate, Praveen and Vandana got the best student

awards in academics.

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy | i32852 : Portable Power Tools | i32 :

Machinery/Industrial Goods | icnp : Consumer Products | ihimpro : Home Improvement

NS c22 : New Products/Services | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types | nfact :

Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E Industry News Filter




AN Document TOI0000020060711e27c00097


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Government vehicles to run on pongamia oil

BY A. Saye Sekhar

WC 438 words

PD 12 July 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP DWMA to coordinate the project

TD Steep increase in diesel price prompts replacement Pongamia grows in any weather condition

Seed to be procured from ITDA at Bhadrachalam The Krishna district administration proposes

to partially replace diesel with pongamia (kanuga in Telugu) oil as fuel in all 150-odd

Government vehicles by the end of next month. Despite familiarity with the technical know-

how, none has evinced interest in using pongamia oil, as it is not cheap compared to diesel.

However, steep increase in diesel prices has prompted the district administration to consider

the replacement on a pilot basis. Collector Navin Mittal says that pongamia oil can straightway

replace diesel or be mixed with it. As of now, the administration plans to run its vehicles with

the mix of diesel and pongamia oil in a 75:25 ratio. A couple of vehicles will be totally run with

pongamia oil. Plant to be set up The District Water Management Agency (DWMA), the nodal

agency for dryland agriculture, will coordinate the project. A Rs. 5-lakh oil extraction plant will

be set up in Vijayawada. While a kg of pongamia seed costs Rs. 6.50, four kg of seed can

produce a kg of oil (almost equal to a litre). In crushing the seed for extracting a kg of oil, at

least three kg of pongamia cake is obtained as a by-product which can be used as biofertilizer

and also biopesticide. Each kg of cake costs about Rs. 3, which is much cheaper when

compared to chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the market. Thus, the cost of each litre of

pongamia oil works out to be Rs. 25. Pongamia oil doesn't emit many pollutants. Pongamia


grows in any weather condition and on any soil. Another advantage is that cattle will not eat

the plants. Therefore, the administration wants to have the saplings planted on canal bunds

and roadsides. The DWMA will raise 25 lakh saplings in nurseries and plant them next year.

The Collector hopes that the seed from these plants will be available for use in four years. For

now, the district will procure the seed from Integrated Tribal Development Authority (ITDA) at

Bhadrachalam, as pongamia is available in abundance in the forest there. Mr. Mittal says he

has taken the cue from the success of electrification of Chalbaadi village of Keramiri mandal

in Adilabad district with biofuel and the World Bank's carbon funding under the Kyoto Protocol

to Pawarguda in Jainur mandal in the same district when he was project officer of ITDA at

Utnur.

NS gpol : Domestic Politics | gcat : Political/General News | gpir : Politics/International Relations




AN Document THINDU0020060711e27c0004b


HD Engg students develop biofuel stove

BY Swati Anand

WC 367 words

PD 11 July 2006


SC TOI

LA English


LP BANGALORE: It's not just complex mechanisms and electronic gadgets, but also everyday

kitchen appliances that catch the fancy of engineering students.

Harish Kumar R, GiriKumar K and Hanumantha C H of Ambedkar Institute of Technology

have developed a biofuel pressure cooking stove. It can be operated on different blends of

biofuels like pongamia oil and jatropha oil, or even fossil fuels like kerosene. The vaporiser,

burner head and tank have been designed in keeping with the chemical, physical and

combustion properties of biofuels.

TD For the benefit of rural users, a biogas burner has also been installed. The principle of the

stove is simple. Pressure is induced into the tank, due to which fuel flows into oil line. The fuel

flux is regulated with a valve in the oil line.

The vapouriser which is connected to the oil line, causes the cracking of biofuel molecules.

Hence, recombination products deposited on the inner wall of the vapouriser, can be opened

and cleaned with a brush. The nozzle is located at the end of the vapouriser.

After leaving the nozzle, the stream of vapourised plant oil mixes with ambient air. The fuel--

air mixture is gathered in the gas collection tube of the burner head. While leaving the burning

head, the mixture incinerates and burns. To aid incineration, an asbestos piece is ignited

beneath the vapouriser.

M P Birla Institute of Fundamental Research is conducting a 100--hour Certificate Course in


astronomy and astrophysics every Saturday for II-- and III--year BSc students with physics as

one of their main subjects and for students of Engineering (II and III year BE/BTech level)

having an aptitude for astronomy and astrophysics from August to December.

The course begins on August 5. Interested students may call 2238 5956--7 and 5695 9780 or

mail gsdbabu@ vsnl.net. The last date for submitting application forms is July 28.

M S Ramaiah Institute of Management held its tenth convocation last week. As many as 197

beaming students away with post--graduate diplomas in management. While the best all--

rounder award was bagged by Rohan Bhate, Praveen and Vandana got the best student

awards in academics.

IN i346 : Household Appliances | i3302 : Computers/Electronics | icnp : Consumer Products |

ielec : Electronics | ihome : Home Electronics/Appliances

NS c23 : Research/Development | guni : University/College | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News |

gcat : Political/General News | gedu : Education




AN Document TOI0000020060710e27b0003n


SE The Good Life

HD Planting the seeds of success Entries for the 2006 Arbor Day Awards close next month and

North Queenslanders are urged to take part.

BY Ian Frazer

WC 533 words

PD 29 June 2006

SN Townsville Bulletin

SC TOWNBU

ED 1 -

PG 24

LA English

CY Copyright 2006 News Ltd. All Rights Reserved

LP MAN-made shade is about Pongamia Pinnata and paperbark trees as much as pergolas and

perspex in the North.

This is the view of Bob Osborne, the former South Australian head of Greening Australia in

North Queensland, who is presently promoting the 2006 Arbor Day Awards.

TD Mr Osborne tips some keen competition for the awards, which recognise projects furthering

sustainable management of native vegetation as well as extending shade in rural or urban

areas.

"There are heaps of good projects in the North, Mr Osborne said this week.

"Schools are doing good stuff and a lot of farmers and graziers are planting trees to prevent

soil loss."

There are categories for individuals, schools, councils, government departments, businesses

and community groups.

Entries close on July 31.


The Queensland Arbor Day Awards were introduced in 1996 by a group then known as the

Spade and Shade Committee, intending to improve the condition and cover of native

vegetation.

The committee also wanted to raise awareness of the importance of providing natural shade

to protect people from environmental extremes and ultraviolet radiation.

Since then renamed the Queensland Arbor Day Committee, it comprises representatives from

Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Queensland

Health, Men of the Trees and Greening Australia.

A US tree-lover, J. Sterling Morton, introduced the concept of an annual holiday for tree-

planting in Nebraska in 1872.

The idea spread to South Australian in 1889 and Queensland in 1890.

In this era, schoolchildren were granted a one-day holiday to plant trees.

The Queensland Government introduced separate Arbor Days north and south of the Tropic

of Capricorn in 1991.

It is observed on the second Tuesday in May in the North and second Tuesday in October in

southern areas, in recognition of the State's varied climate.

The award winners will be announced on October 10.

Mr Osborne, who moved from South Australia three years ago to head Greening Australia in

the North, is glad that Dry Tropics pioneers spared some trees.

"I love it here," he said.

"It's the best place to live.

"In South Australia, Arbor Day is a huge event, with emphasis on planting trees because there

are none left."

In contrast there were good reserves of native vegetation in the Townsville, Lower Burdekin

and Herbert River districts which could be propagated through seed collection.

Landscapers working for local government and developers were increasingly choosing local


tree species for plantings in housing subdivisions.

Greening Australia had surveyed coastal districts around Townsville during the past 15 years

for suitable shade trees.

The organisation's Townsville nursery manager David Guy had collected seed from private

properties and raised them at the organisation's nursery at Pimlico TAFE.

"We do a lot of work with developers," Mr Osborne said.

"There is a real need for shade trees in some of these new developments."

See the Queensland Arbor Day Awards website: www.queenslandarborday.org , for the entry

form and conditions, or contact Greening Australia on 4725 4632

RF [BUL_T-20060629-1-024-162068 ]

NS genv : Environmental News | glife : Living/Lifestyle | gcat : Political/General News

RE austr : Australia | ausnz : Australia/Oceania

PUB Nationwide News Pty Ltd.

AN Document TOWNBU0020060629e26t0001i

http://www.queenslandarborday.org/


SE OPINION

HD Plantations sector

WC 151 words

PD 21 June 2006


SC BSNLNE

PG 10

LA English


LP This is with reference to "Jairam Ramesh moots new dept for plantation" (Business Line, June

15):The Minister of State for Commerce recently mooted an idea to create a new department

for plantation.

At present, there is no interaction between the Commerce and the Agriculture Ministries

regarding the development of agri-business plantations.

TD The Minister can also include oilseeds plantations to gain the best attention from the newly

created department. The Minister has suggested exploring pepper and vanilla for inter-

cropping in the tea gardens of the North-East.

The Commerce Ministry must look into the bio-fuel plantations such as jatropha and

pongamia. Top priority should be given to the plantations sector and this will be possible only

if the department is created at the earliest.

Jacquelene Netto ,

Chennai ,



NS gvcom : Commerce Department | nedc : Commentary/Opinion | gcat : Political/General News |

gpir : Politics/International Relations | gpol : Domestic Politics | gvbod : Government Bodies |

gvexe : Executive Branch | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpex : FC&E

Executive News Filter




AN Document BSNLNE0020060620e26l00025


SE OPINION

HD Promoting bio-diesel

WC 167 words

PD 14 June 2006


SC BSNLNE

PG 10

LA English


LP This is with reference to "Bio-diesel success depends on supportive policy" (Business Line,

June 12): The success of bio-diesel depends on a supportive policy by the Centre and the

States. India can become a major bio-diesel producing country if it devices a policy to

promote it.

In spite of the Planning Commission's clearance to bio-diesel, we are not able to turn

wasteland into plantations of jatropha and pongamia. Many State governments do not have

bio-diesel boards to promote this kind of activity. The Finance Minister should consider the

President's statement on bio-diesel mission. This mission needs the support of the States,

nationalised banks, oil companies and farmers. Awareness on bio-diesel is not adequate,

despite many seminars and conferences on jatropha. We are just talking about this and

nothing is happening on the ground.

TD Jacquelene Netto ,

Chennai ,


NS eec : European Union | nedc : Commentary/Opinion | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva

Filters | nfcpex : FC&E Executive News Filter | ocat : International Pol-Econ Organizations





AN Document BSNLNE0020060613e26e0001y


SE REGIONAL

HD Bio-fuel: plantation work yet to pick up

BY Staff Reporter

WC 295 words

PD 13 June 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP Plantation work yet to pick up as farmers, entrepreneurs keep away

TD Jatropha raised on 14,575 acres last year in Andhra Pradesh Government plans to raise

jatropha, pongamia on 17 lakh acres Horticulture scientists yet to standardise cultivation

practices Research institutes are yet to develop high yielding varieties As the pressure is

mounting for increasing production of bio-fuel to check the rising prices of petroleum products,

plantation work is to yet to pick up in the field. According to Government statistics, jatropha

plantations were raised on 14,575 acres last year in Andhra Pradesh making it the second

largest State after Chhattisgarh. The Government proposed to raise jatropha and pongamia

plantations on 17 lakh acres during 2006, which appears to be an ambitious target given the

confusion prevailing in the field. Waiting for tax policy Lack of clarity of Central and State

Government policies over bio-fuel is keeping farmers and entrepreneurs away. Also,

horticulture scientists are yet to standardise the cultivation practices and research institutes

are yet to develop high yielding varieties. Entrepreneurs who are keen to enter the bio-fuel

processing industry are waiting for the tax policy of the Government. Unless the Government

takes a quick decision on the incentives, both for the processor and the farmer, the

plantations may not take off. According to officials involved in promotion of bio-fuel

plantations, only medium farmers were showing interest to spare some area for bio-fuel crops

while small farmers were sceptical about the success of the crop. Large area under bio-fuel


crops could be achieved only if large and medium farmers are encouraged initially. Captive

plantations for processors should be thought of to ensure steady raw material supply.

IN i01001 : Agriculture | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy | ialtful :

Alternative Fuels

NS c31 : Marketing | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva

Filters | nfcpin : FC&E Industry News Filter




AN Document THINDU0020060612e26d0007g


HD NANDAN'S BIODIESEL FACILITY AT ICRISAT (facility will bring the chain of cultivation,

processing, marketing of bio fuel under one umbrella)

CR Economic Times. Jun 9, 2006; pg 5

WC 112 words

PD 9 June 2006


SC WIBI

VOL 0013-0389

LA English


LP Nandan Biomatrix has set up a bio-diesel facility at the agri- science park on the campus of

the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad.

This facility will bring the chain of cultivation, processing, marketing and research and

development (R and D) of bio fuel under one umbrella and is expected to help scientific

cultivation of bio-fuel in drylands. The bio diesel demonstration unit will be able to use multiple

feedstock, including jatropha and pongamia.

RF ABSTRACT|DAILY

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural Gas | imet : Metals/Mining | i1 : Energy


Types



IPD Fireplace-logs-and-fuel-briquettes-299962.000 | Mining-Minerals-and-Metallurgy | Oil-And-

Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Startups-and-closures


AN Document WIBI000020060612e2690008d


SE AGRI-BUSINESS

HD Nandan opens facility at Icrisat ASP

BY Our Bureau

WC 122 words

PD 8 June 2006


SC BSNLNE

PG 09

LA English


LP Hyderabad, June 7 Nandan Biomatrix Ltd has opened a research and development, process

and formulation and biodiesel facility at the Agri-Science Park (ASP) of ICRISAT.

Dr William Dar, Director-General of ICRISAT said Nandan Biomatrix' decision would

strengthen public-private partnership for improving agricultural productivity in the semi-arid

tropics. The ASP offered infrastructure and facilitated commercialisation of technology that

would ultimately help farmers.

TD The park achieved this through public-private partnerships. "The partnership will give an

opportunity to take a scientific look at bio fuel cultivation in the drylands," said Dr Dar, who

inaugurated the facility here. The Nandan Biomatrix facility would use multiple feedstock, such

as jatropha and pongamia.

IN iappsp : Cloud Computing/SaaS | i01001 : Agriculture | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i3302 :

Computers/Electronics | i8394 : Computer Services | icomp : Computing

NS c24 : Capacity/Facilities | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News





AN Document BSNLNE0020060607e2680001q


HD Nandan Biomatrix opens new facility at ASP

WC 191 words

PD 7 June 2006

SN The Press Trust of India Limited

SC PRTRIN

LA English

CY (c) 2006 Asia Pulse Pty Limited.

LP Hyderabad, June 07 (PTI) Nandan Biomatrix Limited has opened a Research and

Development, process and formulation and biodiesel facility at The Agri-Science Park (ASP)

at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) here.

The new facility, established by one of the private sector partners of ICRISAT, would help

strengthen the public-private partnership for improving agricultural productivity in the semi-arid

tropics, an ICRISAT release quoting its Director General William Dar said.

TD The partnership would give an opportunity to take a scientific look at biofuel cultivation in the

drylands, Dar said after inaugurating the R&D facility.

The biofuel demonstration unit of Nandan Biomatrix would be able to use multiple feedstocks

such as Jatropha and Pongamia.

The integrated facilities are also expected to standardize herbal extracts, produce

standardized bulk extracts and develop speciality formulations.

The facility brings the chain of cultivation, processing and marketing under a single umbrella,

the release said.

The Agri-Science Park serves as a platform for ICRISAT to facilitate technology

commercialization to help farmers in Semi-Arid Tropics through partnerships with private and

public sectors.

IN i2569 : Biotechnology | i25 : Chemicals





PUB Asia Pulse Pty Limited

AN Document PRTRIN0020060608e2670005h


SE REGIONAL

HD Cheluvaraya Swamy stresses on use of bio-fuel

BY Staff Reporter

WC 414 words

PD 6 June 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 04

LA English


LP Such a step will considerably help in reducing pollution, says Transport Minister

The State Government would set aside Rs. 1 crore to promote the cultivation of Pongamia

pinnata, a tree from which "honge" oil was derived, in dry lands, announced Transport

Minister N. Cheluvaraya Swamy on Monday.

TD Eighty Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses at the Doddaballapur

depot use a blend of bio-fuel with diesel. KSRTC has found that the blend of 90 per cent

diesel and 10 per cent "honge" oil is more environmentally friendly as well as cost effective.

According to the KSRTC, use of bio fuel for 5,000 buses would result in an annual saving of

Rs. 724.75 lakh for the corporation.

Inaugurating a seminar on Ùrban transport environment energy and clean development

mechanism,' organised by KSRTC to celebrate the World Environment Day, Mr. Cheluvaraya

Swamy said the use of bio fuels would help reduce pollution considerably.

Earlier, Mr. Cheluvaraya Swamy flagged off a KSRTC bus that uses a mixture of diesel and

ethanol.


This is the first time that such a mixture of fuels is being used in a KSRTC bus and a

Singapore-based company has provided the technology.

The green diesel, which is a mixture of 7.5 per cent ethanol and 92.5 per cent diesel, reduced

harmful emissions to a great extent, the Minister said.

Mr. Cheluvaraya Swamy said the State Government had written to the Centre seeking

reduction of excise duty on machine parts and diesel. "We understand the problem and have

written to the Centre about it," he said.

M.R. Sreenivas Murthy, managing director of KSRTC, said the use of bio-diesel would soon

be extended to 28 depots. "We are planning to use bio-diesel in depots where we get a supply

of "honge" oil."

"Our constraint in extending it to other depots is the lack of supply of the oil," he said.

Mr. Murthy said the KSRTC would operate the bus where the diesel-ethanol mixture was used

for a month before deciding on how to expand the service.

Srikanth Panigrahi, director of Planning Commission, said Karnataka was one of the nine

States to approach the Union Government for the Clean Development Mechanism project.

"KSRTC has got clearance from the Centre. The project proposal has now been sent to the

board at the United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change for its approval," Mr.

Panigrahi added.

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i1 : Energy



AN Document THINDU0020060605e26600076


SE REGIONAL

HD Celebrating Chief Minister's birthday in an eco-friendly manner

BY S. Prasad

WC 420 words

PD 6 June 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP Bio-diesel being used in vehicles owned by Hosur Forest Division

In a pioneering attempt, the Hosur Forest Division of the Forest Department has switched

over to an eco-friendly mode by using bio-diesel in the vehicles owned by the division. For the

first time in the State, bio-diesel derived from Pongamia seeds is being used as an alternative

fuel for running vehicles and for production of electricity.

TD The fuel is used in four department vehicles from June 3 to celebrate the birthday of Chief

Minister M. Karunanidhi in an eco-friendly way. "It is appropriate to celebrate the Chief

Minister's birthday in an eco-friendly manner as he has got a special interest in tree planting

and environmental protection," the District Forest Officer, S. Paulraj says. Krishnagiri district is

a pioneer in the State as well as in the country in using Pongamia seed oil as an alternative

fuel for vehicles and electricity production. Started two years ago, the bio-fuel production

centre at Gopachandiram village, 12 km from Hosur, run by the Forest Division produces bio-

fuel, bio-diesel, bio-gas and produces gas using Pongamia seeds.

The Department with technical assistance from the Indian Institute of Science is now running

one of its own vehicles on bio-fuel with simple modifications.


The Department has started harvesting the seeds and is processing them for oil extraction

according to its requirements. The centre has the capacity to produce 250 litres of oil a day.

The bio-fuel after filtering is used for generating electricity by running a generator in one of the

remote forest village of Jodukarai near Urigam. The project is financed by the Ministry of Non-

Conventional Energy Sources. The Central Government has decided to go for 20 per cent

blending of bio-diesel with diesel in all the vehicles in the country by 2011. The mixing has

already commenced in Krishnagiri district with the rate for the new brand being fixed at Rs. 25

per litre.

The Krishnagiri Collector, Santhosh Babu, has already expressed interest in using bio-diesel

in vehicles of the Revenue Department. Plans are afoot to take the programme to the village-

level by supplying bio-fuel to farmers for running tractors and oil engines. This will be done in

a phased manner and expanded to all panchayats, Mr. Paulraj adds.

The Hosur Forest Division has begun planting 83 saplings in 75 Tamil Nadu Afforestation

Project Villages.

NS gcat : Political/General News




AN Document THINDU0020060605e2660004i


HD Maurice veut carburer au vert

WC 993 words

PD 2 June 2006

ET 18:05 GMT

SN All Africa

SC AFNWSF

LA French

CY (c) 2006 AllAfrica, All Rights Reserved

LP Port Louis, Jun 02, 2006 (L'Express/AllAfrica Global Media via COMTEX) --

Trois arbres pourraient servir à produire de l'huile à mélanger au diesel. L'entreprise indienne

Royal Energy, qui utiliserait le palmier, semble être la plus déterminée.

TD Les chercheurs ne cessent d'améliorer la performance et la propreté des carburants. Passer

au biodiesel permet de résuire la facture de produits pétroliers et de préserver

l'environnement.

Rudolf Diesel a fait tourner son premier moteur avec l'huile d'arachide. Il aura fallu une

centaine d'années pour que la planète en prenne de la graine. La production de carburant à

partir d'huiles végétales à Maurice est en vedette depuis mars. Il aura fallu l'étincelle du

président indien, Abdul Kalam, pour que les cerveaux se mettent en marche. Depuis, trois

projets ont été présentés à l'Etat. Il n'est plus qu'une question de mois avant que Maurice ne

se lance dans l'aventure du biodiesel.

A ce jour, il est question de produire du diesel à partir de trois sources : le palmier, le jatropha

(pignon d'Inde) et le pongamia (arbre communément appelé "la coqueluche"). Alors que le

pétrole continue sa folle ascension, de nouvelles initiatives germent. Tout en favorisant les

sources d'énergie renouvelables, le gouvernement insiste sur le fait que tout le monde n'aura

pas de permis. Après tout, la multiplication de projets concurrents menacerait la rentabilité du

biodiesel à Maurice.


Royal Energy semble être le plus déterminée à se lancer dans le biodiesel mauricien. Cette

société indienne compte produire du carburant à partir de l'huile de palme. Pour y arriver, il

faudra cultiver des palmiers à grande échelle et construire une raffinerie afin de traiter l'huile

de palme brute. Un arpent sous culture de palmiers génère une moyenne de 600 litres d'huile

annuellement. Une fois raffinée, cette huile est mélangée au diesel conventionnel avant de se

retrouver dans le réservoir carburant d'un véhicule. Il existe plusieurs degrés de mélange mais

le plus commun consiste en 20 % d'huile de palme et 80 % de diesel pétrolier.

Royal Energy peut ainsi aspirer à fournir un cinquième du marché local. Si la société arrive à

relever le défi, le pays est bien parti pour économiser Rs 450 millions annuellement de sa

facture pétrolière. Après tout, l'huile de palme est le biodiesel le moins cher au monde si les

palmiers sont cultivés à grande échelle. A ce stade, toutefois, on voit mal les palmeraies

remplacer la canne à Maurice comme elles ont remplacé les plantations de caoutchouc en

Malaisie. Ce pays produit 45 % de l'huile de palme au monde.

Rentable quand le baril dépasse $ 43

Malgré l'enthousiasme de Royal Energy, l'option la plus facile pour la production du biodiesel

local réside dans le pongamia. Cet arbre est très commun et certains observateurs estiment

que la quantité disponible actuellement serait suffisant pour lancer un projet de biodiesel.

La société Aadicon Technologies est d'ailleurs en pole-position pour exploiter le pongamia.

Cet arbre, d'une durée de vie de 100 ans, peut produire une moyenne de 40 litres d'huile par

an en sus de quatre tonnes de fumier et de biomasse. Le pongamia pousse même sur les

terres arides. Ce qui signifie qu'il ne nécessite pas le remplacement de cultures actuelles.

Comme tout biofuel, l'huile du pongamia doit être mélangée avec du diesel conventionnel.

Pour chaque unité d'huile, il faut compter neuf du diesel.

Lors de son passage à Maurice, Abdul Kalam avait évoqué les vertus énergétiques du

jatropha, aussi connu comme le pignon d'Inde. Depuis, les choses ont bien évolué.

Aujourd'hui, il est même question que le puissant groupe Hinduja aide Maurice au niveau de

la recherche et du développement. Les fruits du jatropha contiennent des noix qui, une fois

pressées, donnent une huile. Après traitement, elle est mélangée au mazout pour faire rouler

véhicules et moteurs en tout genre.

Importations de Rs 2,4 milliards

Le jatropha curcas est à l'aise sur des terrains marginaux et arides. Un arbre peut générer

environ quatre kilos de fruits par année. Il faut huit kilos de fruits pour produire 1,5 litre de

biocarburant. Une plantation de 5 000 hectares pourrait ainsi produire environ 15 millions de


litres de biodiesel annuellement. L'huile du jatropha peut être mélangée jusqu'à hauteur de 50

% avec du diesel mais à l'heure actuelle, de nombreux pays préfèrent s'arrêter à 10 %.

Chaque année, les importations de diesel coûtent environ Rs 2,4 milliards au pays. Cette

facture ne cesse d'augmenter avec l'envolée du prix de l'or noir. Le biodiesel devrait permettre

de l'alléger par au moins 10 % tout en rehaussant l'environnement. Il est connu que des

plantations à grande échelle réduisent le taux de dioxide de carbone dans l'air alors que le

biodiesel réduit considérablement les émissions nocives des moteurs.

La production du biodiesel a néanmoins un coût puisqu'il faut cultiver, récolter, transformer,

stocker et vendre. Selon les experts, le biodiesel est rentable quand le prix du pétrole est au-

dessus de $ 43 le baril sur le marché mondial. Hier, il était à $ 70,87 le baril. Les analystes

s'accordent à dire qu'il faudra désormais s'habituer à payer le pétrole au-delà de $ 60 le baril.

Maurice ne peut se permettre d'hésiter avant de se lancer dans le biodiesel. Plusieurs pays

africains s'y sont d'ailleurs mis. Madagascar a déjà pris une nette avance sur Maurice,

prévoyant même sa première raffinerie de biodiesel pour 2008. D'ici là, 20 000 hectares seront

sous culture du jatropha.

"L'utilisation des huiles végétales comme carburant peut paraître insignifiante aujourd'hui.

Mais ces huiles pourraient devenir, à terme, aussi importantes que le pétrole ", prévoyait

Rodolf Diesel en 1912. Il avait raison. Le label bio est en voie d'entrer dans les stations-

service.

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i14 : Petroleum/Coal Products | ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy

NS medoil : Edible Oils Markets | m14 : Commodity Markets | m141 : Agricultural Commodity

Markets | mcat : Commodity/Financial Market News | mgroil : Grains/Edible Oils Markets |

ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfce : FC&E Exclusion Filter

RE africaz : Africa | maurts : Mauritius | devgcoz : Emerging Market Countries | dvpcoz :

Developing Economies | eafrz : East Africa

PUB All Africa Global Media

AN Document AFNWSF0020060602e26200160


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD VSP leads the pack with a high-energy leap

BY Staff Reporter

WC 396 words

PD 30 May 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP The vision is to become a world-class energy-efficient unit

A Renewable Energy Policy, developed in house, was formally launched at the

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant by its Chairman and Managing Director Y. Siva Sagar Rao at a

function organised at the Training and Development Centre on Monday.

TD The policy is aimed at fulfilling the vision of the plant to become a world-class energy efficient

unit. The plant commenced its strategic energy management in 2000 to reduce the cost of

steel and to improve the bottom line of the company. The move resulted in the plant

continuously achieving the lowest specific energy consumption in the Indian integrated steel

industry by undertaking various energy conservation initiatives.

Non-conventional sources

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Siva Sagar Rao said that the plant was always in the forefront

in initiating the latest management systems. The Renewable Energy Policy was the first of its

kind in any steel plant in the country. He called for greater utilisation of renewable energy

sources to replace conventional energy and to realise the dream of the President A.P.J. Abdul

Kalam to make India an energy independent country by 2030.


He elaborated the steps initiated by the plant to substitute 5 per cent of the total electrical

energy and petro-fuel requirements from renewable energy sources. A proposal was on the

cards to generate about 12 MW of electricity from non-conventional energy sources, even if it

is cost prohibitive, to strengthen the cause of energy independence. The plan was to generate

about 0.4 MW from solar energy sources, 0.9 MW from bio diesel plantation, 0.4 MW from the

waste generated in the Steel Plant township and about 10 MW of electricity from wind

turbines.

The plant has initiated the plantation of jatropha and pongamia varieties in an extent of 1140

acres by 2008. The steel plant aims to produce 2550 tons of bio-diesel by 2011-12. There are

also plans to install solar-based lights in parks in the plant and the township.

Earlier, the Deputy General Manager (EMD) S.P. Bhargava welcomed the gathering.

The General Manager (Energy Environment) C.S. Gupta, the Directors P.K. Bishnoi, K.K. Rao

and M.K. Das and the Chief Vigilance Officer P.K. Misra spoke.

CO sail : Steel Authority of India Ltd

IN i22 : Primary Metals | i221 : Iron/Steel/Ferroalloys | imet : Metals/Mining

NS c13 : Regulation/Government Policy | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types |

nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E Industry News Filter




AN Document THINDU0020060529e25u0001k


SE NEWS

HD ICAR pact with ICRISAT for farm research in dryland areas


WC 496 words

PD 27 May 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 14

LA English


LP It will benefit dryland farmers by improving productivity of rain-fed crops

TD The partnership between the research institutions would be in the area of strategic and

applied research The project deals with five crops including sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea,

pigeon pea and groundnut The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has signed a

three-year research agreement from 2006 to 2008 with Hyderabad-based International Crops

Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to step up the research activities

focusing on dryland areas of the country to tackle the after-effects of drought. Signing the

agreement with ICRISAT Chief William Dar here on Thursday, Mangala Rai, the Director-

General of ICAR said that the pact would benefit dryland farmers of the country by improving

productivity of rain-fed crops and improving livelihood security of people. In India, about 84

per cent of the rural poor live in rain-fed areas, where food scarcity was a major problem. The

partnership between the two premier research institutions would be in the area of strategic

and applied research. The project deals with five crops including sorghum, pearl millet,

chickpea, pigeon pea and groundnut. Dr. Rai said that about 38 million hectare area was

cultivated in the country under these crops. ``This partnership would help the country in

effectively handling drought conditions,'' he added. Thematic areas The thematic areas of the

projects under this agreement include genetic resources, conservation, evaluation and

utilisation; enhancing crop productivity and sustainability under both favourable and dryland


stress environments; improving system productivity and livelihood for fragile and dry

environment including socio-economic and policy options, and strengthening linkage between

research and development including training. Climate change impact on cropping patterns,

income and employment structures, migration trends and investment decisions of rural

household would also be studied. One of the major projects under this agreement was

sulphur and micronutrient fertilisation of crops for increasing productivity of dryland. Soil

characterisation of these areas would be diagnosed and effects of improved nutrient

management practises on crop productivity, crop quality and economic returns to farmers

evaluated under this project, he said. Another project was aimed at improving rural livelihoods

in select states through bio-diesel plantations. This was proposed to be achieved through

rehabilitation of degraded land through integrated soil and water management options and

establishment of bio-diesel plantations. It also included identifying most profitable inter-crops

with Jatropa and Pongamia for increasing productivity and income; training NGOs and

farmers in nursery raising and cultivation of these plants. The ICAR and the Department of

Agricultural Research and Education support ICRISAT core programmes by annual

contribution of $ 150,000 and also additional support of $ 0.5 million for development of

transgenics against Helicoverpa in chickpea and pigeon pea and disease management

through transgenics in groundnut. Support of additional $ 20,500 has also been provided to

ICRISAT for undertaking biotechnology research in chickpea and pigeon pea.

IN i01002 : Horticulture | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry





AN Document THINDU0020060526e25r0008a


SE REGIONAL

HD Aerial sowing of kanuga mooted

BY S. Harpal Singh

WC 398 words

PD 26 May 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP An experiment to make a forest getting under way

TD Clearance from Agriculture Commissionerate, district administration given Plan involves hiring

helicopter for aerial spraying of pods in Busimetta 100 tonnes of Pongamia pods costs Rs.6

lakhs The nearly 7 lakh hectares of deciduous forests in Adilabad district would be flush with

Pongamia (Kanuga) in a few years time provided an experiment to establish the efficacy of

aerial sowing of this bio-diesel tree yields the desired results. The experiment would be

conducted at Busimetta village in Jainoor mandal next week involving free manual scattering

of Kanuga pods from the top of a hillock for the trees to grow into a natural forest. The idea for

aerial broadcasting (scattering) of Kanuga pods by using a helicopter is the brainchild of P.

Ramesh, Project Director of Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), here. As

degraded lands for Kanuga plantation on a large scale became difficult to come by, flushing

the rather denuded forests with Pongamia pods aerially would perhaps serve the purpose, as

per his opinion. Clearance He has obtained clearance from the Agriculture Commissionerate

and district administration for the Busimetta experiment. The permission of Forest department

would come soon, Mr. Ramesh expected. The district has a target of Kanuga plantation in 1

lakh acres of degraded lands with over Rs. 1 crore available for the purpose under the AP

Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (REGS). The target is rather ambitious considering the

non-availability of degraded lands here. The new plan involves hiring charges for a helicopter


suitable for the purpose of aerial broadcast of Kanuga pods and money to purchase required

quantity of pods. "The entire operation lasting a few days could cost about Rs. 50 lakhs. For

instance, the required quantity of 100 tonnes of Pongamia pods costs about Rs. 6 lakhs. If

only 20 per cent of the pods germinate properly we will have about 3.5 lakh acres of forest

area under Kanuga in a few years from now'', said Mr. Ramesh. The Social Forestry

department, however, does not favour the idea of Pongamia plantation in forests. "Forests

should be used for plantation of costly varieties like teak which enjoy better protection ìnside'

the forests. As Pongamia is useless to timber smugglers, it is better grown in degraded

areas'', opined B. Prabhakar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry.



AN Document THINDU0020060525e25q000a4


HD ICAR SIGNS RESEARCH PACT WITH ICRISAT TO STUDY DRYLAND FARMING

WC 650 words

PD 25 May 2006

SN Hindustan Times

SC HNTM

LA English

CY (c) 2006 The Hindustan Times Ltd

LP Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, India, May 25 -- The Government of India's Ministry of Agriculture issued the

following press release: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has signed a three-

year research agreement (2006-08) with Hyderabad based International Crops Research

Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to step up the research activities focusing on dry

land areas of the country. Signing the agreement with ICRISAT Chief Dr. William Dar here

today, Dr. Mangala Rai, DG, ICAR said that this pact would benefit the dryland farmers of the

country by improving productivity of rainfed crops and improving livelihood security of people.

TD In India, about 84% of the rural poor live in rainfed areas, where food scarcity is a major

problem.

The partnership between two premier research organisations of the Indian subcontinent

includes both strategic and applied research. The project deals with 5 crops namely Sorghum,

Pearl Millet, Chickpea, Pigeon pea and groundnut. Dr. Rai said that about 38 million hectare

area is cultivated in the country under these crops and this partnership would help the country

in effectively tackling the effects of drought.

The thematic areas of the projects under this agreement includes genetic resources

conservation, evaluation and utilization; enhancing crop productivity and sustainability under

both favourable and dryland stress environments; improving system productivity and

livelihood for fragile and dry environment including socio-economic and policy options, and

strengthening linkage between research and development including training.


One of the major projects under this agreement is sulphur and micronutrient fertilization of

crops for increasing productivity of drylands. Soil characterisation of these areas would be

diagnosed and effects of improved nutrient management practises on crop productivity, crop

quality and economic returns to farmers evaluated under this project.

Another project aims at improving rural livelihoods in selected states through bio-diesel

plantations. This is proposed to be achieved through rehabilitating degraded lands through

integrated soil and water management options and establishment of bio-diesel plantations. It

also includes identifying most profitable inter-crops with Jatropa and Pongamia for increasing

productivity and income and training NGOs and farmers in nursery raising and cultivation of

these plants.

Adapting to climate change in semi-arid areas of the country by studying development

pathways and coping mechanisms for survival would be another focus area. Thus, climate

change impact on cropping patterns, income and employment structures, migration trends

and investment decisions of rural household would be studied under this project.

The agreement focuses on participatory integrated watershed management for increasing

productivity and improving livelihoods in rainfed areas of the country. The objective of this

project is to minimise land degradation and improve food security of rural people.

Release of early-maturing and wilt resistant desi (ICCC 37) and Kabuli (ICCV 2) chickpeas,

and their adoption led to increased productivity (from 400 kg/ha in 1990 to 1200 kg/ha in

2004), leading to a nearly 10-fold increase in total production in Andhra Pradesh. Pigeonpea

and groundnut varieties that were released have also been adopted by farmers in many

states. Pigeonpea ICPL 88039 is becoming popular in the rice-wheat cropping systems of the

Indo-Gangetic Plains for cultivation before wheat. "Greater successes have come from the

development and releases of cultivars of these crops developed by the Indian program

scientists using improved germplasm supplied by ICRISAT," said Dr. Dar.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research/Department of Agricultural Research and Education,

Govt. of India support ICRISAT core programmes by annual contribution of US$ 150,000 and

also additional support of 0.5 million US$ for development of transgencis against Helicoverpa

in chickpea and pigeon pea and disease management through transgenics in ground nut.

Support of additional US$ 20,500 has also been provided to ICRISAT for undertaking

biotechnology research in chickpea and pigeonpea.

Edited press releases are provided through HT Syndication, New Delhi.

HTS ak 060525-270778


IN i01001 : Agriculture | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry





PUB Hindustan Times Limited

AN Document HNTM000020060526e25p00161


HD ICAR signs pact with ICRISAT for promotion of dryland farming

WC 641 words

PD 25 May 2006

SN Hindustan Times

SC HNTM

LA English


LP Hindustan Times

New Delhi, May 25 -- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has signed a three-

year research agreement (2006-08) with the Hyderabad-based International Crops Research

Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to step up the research activities focusing on dry

land areas of the country.

TD Signing the agreement with ICRISAT Chief Dr. William Dar here today, Dr. Mangala Rai, DG,

ICAR said that this pact would benefit the dryland farmers of the country by improving

productivity of rainfed crops and improving livelihood security of people. In India, about 84

percent of the rural poor live in rainfed areas where food scarcity is a major problem.

The partnership between two premier research organisations of the Indian subcontinent

includes both strategic and applied research. The project deals with 5 crops namely Sorghum,

Pearl Millet, Chickpea, Pigeon pea and Ground nut. Dr. Rai said that about 38 million hectare

area is cultivated in the country under these crops and this partnership would help the country

in effectively tackling the effects of drought.

The thematic areas of the projects under this agreement includes genetic resources

conservation, evaluation and utilization; enhancing crop productivity and sustainability under

both favourable and dryland stress environments; improving system productivity and

livelihood for fragile and dry environment including socio-economic and policy options, and

strengthening linkage between research and development including training.

One of the major projects under this agreement is sulphur and micronutrient fertilization of


crops for increasing productivity of drylands. Soil characterisation of these areas would be

diagnosed and effects of improved nutrient management practises on crop productivity, crop

quality and economic returns to farmers evaluated under this project.

Another project aims at improving rural livelihoods in selected states through bio-diesel

plantations. This is proposed to be achieved through rehabilitating degraded lands through

integrated soil and water management options and establishment of bio-diesel plantations. It

also includes identifying most profitable inter-crops with Jatropa and Pongamia for increasing

productivity and income and training NGOs and farmers in nursery raising and cultivation of

these plants.

Adapting to climate change in semi-arid areas of the country by studying development

pathways and coping mechanisms for survival would be another focus area. Thus, climate

change impact on cropping patterns, income and employment structures, migration trends

and investment decisions of rural household would be studied under this project.

The agreement focuses on participatory integrated watershed management for increasing

productivity and improving livelihoods in rainfed areas of the country. The objective of this

project is to minimize land degradation and improve food security of rural people.

Release of early-maturing and wilt resistant desi (ICCC 37) and Kabuli (ICCV 2) chickpeas,

and their adoption led to increased productivity (from 400 kg/ha in 1990 to 1200 kg/ha in

2004), leading to a nearly 10-fold increase in total production in Andhra Pradesh.

Pigeonpea and groundnut varieties that were released have also been adopted by farmers in

many states. Pigeonpea ICPL 88039 is becoming popular in the rice-wheat cropping systems

of the Indo-Gangetic Plains for cultivation before wheat. "Greater successes have come from

the development and releases of cultivars of these crops developed by the Indian program

scientists using improved germplasm supplied by ICRISAT," said Dr Dar.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research/Department of Agricultural Research and Education,

Govt. of India support ICRISAT core programmes by annual contribution of 150,000 dollars

and also additional support of 0.5 million dollars for development of transgencis against

Helicoverpa in chickpea and pigeon pea and disease management through transgenics in

ground nut.

Support of additional 20,500 dollars has also been provided to ICRISAT for undertaking

biotechnology research in chickpea and pigeonpea.

Published by HT Media Ltd. with permission from Asian News International.


HTS gy 060525-270405

NS greg : Regional Politics | gcat : Political/General News | gpir : Politics/International Relations |

gpol : Domestic Politics




AN Document HNTM000020060526e25p000b7


SE EDITORIAL

HD Prospecting for `green' diesel

BY N. Gopal Raj

WC 1,703 words

PD 22 May 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 10

LA English


LP Apart from reducing a country's dependence on fossil fuels, biofuels are renewable and do not

contribute to global warming.

CRUDE OIL prices have been increasing steadily and rising tensions in West Asia, which

supplies a sizable part of the world's oil, haven't helped. For their part, oil importing nations

are anxiously casting about for alternatives to at least reduce their dependence on the `black

gold'.

TD Before them is the enviable example of Brazil. Brazilian cars — and even apparently its small

aircraft — have been shifting to either pure ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) or ethanol-

petrol blends. The use of ethanol stabilised fuel prices in Brazil, saved the country some $50

billion that it would otherwise have spent importing oil over the last 30 years or so and created

an estimated one million rural jobs, points out the Worldwatch Institute in its State of the

World 2006 report. Combined with increased domestic oil production, Brazil is expected to

become self-sufficient in energy this year.

"Dramatic growth in biofuels is virtually certain in the years ahead," predicts the Worldwatch

Institute.


Apart from reducing a country's dependence on fossil fuels, biofuels have other advantages

too. As they are derived from plants, they are renewable. Biofuels do not, like fossil fuels such

as coal and petroleum, add to carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and thereby contribute

to global warming. Burning biofuels merely returns the carbon dioxide that plants have drawn

from the atmosphere for photosynthesis.

After the first oil shock of the early 1970s, a group at Indian Space Research Organisation's

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram came up with a technology to turn

non-edible oilseeds into what it called "space crude." The liquid fraction of the crude could be

used to produce petrol, kerosene, diesel, and lube oils and the gaseous fraction turned into

cooking gas. While the technology appeared promising, large-scale production foundered

because of problems of securing large quantities of oilseeds at a reasonable price.

The talk these days in India is of making bio-diesel. The country's demand for diesel is five

times greater than for petrol. Rapid economic growth has meant more people travelling than

ever before and larger quantities of goods being transported. Demand for petroleum products

in India, particularly diesel, was set to increase rapidly, according to Leena Srivastava,

executive director of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) based in New Delhi. Over 80

per cent of passengers and 60 per cent of the freight were moved by road, she pointed out in

a recent TERI publication on biofuels.

The Government estimates that the country's diesel requirements in 2011-12 could be more

than 66 million tonnes, one and a half times higher than in 2001-02. TERI estimates that

India's diesel needs would cross 100 million tonnes by 2020 and 200 million tonnes by 2030.

Today most diesel is produced by refining petroleum, but it is worth remembering that Rudolf

Diesel designed his revolutionary compression engine to run on vegetable oils. Even now,

certain types of diesel engines can readily run on vegetable oils, points out Udipi Shrinivasa of

the Indian Institute of Science. Prof. Shrinivasa has led efforts to popularise the substitution of

oil from seeds of the tree Pongamia pinnata (known as `Honge' and `Karanja') for diesel in

village power-generation sets and irrigation pumps.

But the diesel engines used in modern vehicles do not tolerate vegetable oils well. These

engines are designed to run on petroleum-derived diesel, which is less thick than unmodified

vegetable oils, points out L.M. Das, professor at IIT Delhi's Centre for Energy Studies.

Vegetable oils do not burn well in such engines and they also affect various engine

components, he adds.

The preferred option is, therefore, to chemically modify vegetable oils and convert them into

bio-diesel that more closely resembles conventional diesel. Bio-diesel can be readily


produced from a wide variety of vegetable oils and even used cooking oil and animal fat.

Europe makes bio-diesel from sunflower and rapeseed oil, U.S. from soybean oil, Thailand

from palm oil, and recently a bio-diesel factory opened in the Philippines that would use

coconut oil. But since India does not produce enough edible oil for its culinary needs, a

Planning Commission committee on development of biofuel, which submitted its report in

2003, noted that bio-diesel in this country would have to be made from non-edible oilseeds.

The Planning Commission committee suggested setting a target of selling 20 per cent

blended bio-diesel (that is, a mix that would be 20 per cent bio-diesel and 80 per cent

petroleum-based diesel) by 2011-12. Such blending could save over 13 million tonnes of

petroleum-derived diesel that year alone.

Several plants found in India, including Pongamia pinnata, neem, rubber, and castor bear

seeds with non-edible oils that can be used to produce bio-diesel. But the plant that is

arousing great enthusiasm for this purpose is Jatropha curcas. "Jatropha is the first choice

since it can be grown in both saline and alkaline soils, arid and semi-arid conditions, low

slopes of hilly areas, and degraded and abused soils," notes H.M. Behl, a scientist at the

National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow, in a paper in the TERI publication on

biofuels.

Converting vegetable oils into bio-diesel is not particularly complicated, but the efficiency of

the process, the ability to use different types of vegetable oils, and maintaining quality are key

issues. The Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute at Bhavnagar in Gujarat has

filed an international patent for its process that can accommodate a range of vegetable oils

and oilseeds. The process is able to efficiently extract oil from the seeds and convert it into

bio-diesel that can meet exacting European quality standards, says P.K. Ghosh, director of

the Institute. The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology at Hyderabad, another Central

Government laboratory, too is getting ready a technology for turning a wide variety of seeds

and oils into high-quality bio-diesel. The Institute was also working on catalysts that would

reduce the effluents produced, according to R.B.N. Prasad, head of its Lipid Science &

Technology Division.

Several trials have now been undertaken in the country running cars, buses, and even trains

on pure as well as blended bio-diesel. Two C-Class Mercedes-Benz cars were driven across

India using unblended bio-diesel, travelling over 8,000 km in diverse conditions from the high

humidity of the South to the high temperatures of North India and even going to Leh in the

Himalayas. "We got very good results in terms of emissions," says Suhas Kadlaskar,

DaimlerChrysler India's director for Corporate Affairs and Finance. The soot emissions from

these cars were down by almost two-thirds without any perceivable loss of power.


The Tatas are plying 40 company buses in Pune on 10 per cent blends of bio-diesel provided

by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Some 20 of the Haryana State Road Transport

Corporation's long-distance buses are run on pure bio-diesel supplied by IOC. Southern

Railways' Tiruchi division is using a 10 per cent blend of bio-diesel to run six trains daily; the

bio-diesel is produced at the Perambur Loco Works in Chennai.

Vehicles can switch more easily from conventional diesel to using blends of bio-diesel rather

than to pure bio-diesel. Another reason for promoting blends is that not enough bio-diesel is

likely to be available at a reasonable price in the immediate future. The Planning Commission

committee on biofuels estimated that producing 20 per cent blends by 2011-12 would require

over 13 million tonnes of bio-diesel, which, in turn, would require Jatropha to be cultivated on

over 11 million hectares.

Limited availability

At present, the availability of non-edible oils and oilseeds within the country is limited, says

Alok Adholeya, director of TERI's Biotechnology and Management of Bioresources Division.

Plantations of Jatropha and Pongamia are just being established in States such as Andhra

Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttaranchal, and Gujarat. It would be

two to three years before these plantations began yielding sizeable quantities of oilseeds to

be turned into bio-diesel, he pointed out.

Even supplying the market with five per cent bio-diesel blends is currently not proving easy. In

October 2005, the Union Government gave permission for public sector oil marketing

companies to purchase pure bio-diesel that met quality standards. The oil companies could

then use this bio-diesel to produce five per cent blends. The Government fixed the purchase

price for bio-diesel at Rs.25 per litre.

However, bio-diesel is not currently available at that price, says an oil company official. If

Jatropha seeds cost Rs.6 to Rs.7 per kg, then bio-diesel can be produced at Rs.27 to Rs.32

per litre, estimates Dr. Ghosh. But right now, there is a "mad scramble" to purchase Jatropha

seeds in order to start plantations and the seeds are expensive, he says.

Bio-diesel can be produced within the country cheaper than the current market price of

conventional diesel but not at Rs.25 a litre, insists K. Radhakrishna, a director of Hyderabad-

based Southern Online Bio Technologies Limited. The company's German-made bio-diesel

plant is expected to go into operation in July this year and produce 10,000 tonnes of bio-

diesel annually. The company is setting up networks to collect non-edible oilseeds from

farmers and tribals. It is encouraging farmers to plant Jatropha and Pongamia and offering

buy-back agreements for the oilseeds. The company has also made arrangements with a


Malaysian company to import alternative feedstock such as palm oil if required, he told The

Hindu .

How much `green' diesel can India hope to produce in the years to come? TERI estimates

that it could potentially be as high as 40 per cent of the country's diesel requirements in 2030.

Clearly, there is a long way to go to achieve those sorts of production levels.

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy

NS nedi : Editorial | ncat : Content Types


AN Document THINDU0020060521e25m0005r


SE Bangalore

HD BDA to go green with tree parks

BY Smitha Rao

WC 273 words

PD 19 May 2006


SC TOI

LA English


LP BANGALORE: Carbon sinks. Mini Cubbon Parks. Oxygen banks. That's the stuff great

neighbourhoods are made of, believes the Bangalore Development Authority, which is

finalising a policy on compulsorily having dedicated tree parks within layouts.

Explains BDA commissioner M K Shankaralinge Gowda, whose nouveau idea it is: "The tree

parks will act as carbon sinks, where all the carbon around the vicinity will sink.

TD I am advocating mini Cubbon Parks in the city, they are the real oxygen banks for Bangalore.

Future layouts and existing layouts will have tree parks.

In BDA layouts where there are no tree-parks, the existing parks will be converted into tree

parks." A tree park is not to be confused with either the green belt or the green initiatives

being carried out in tandem with the BMP.

In the tree park or gundu topu (cluster of trees), the floral and green quotient will be on a high,

as the cluster will include about 3,000 trees and over a thousand species.

The focus will be on traditional trees - Gulmohar, pongamia, eucalyptus, bougainvillea

clusters et al.

Existing layouts like Anjanapura, HSR Layout, Banashankari 6th stage, Visvesvaraya Layout


will be refurbished to include tree-parks. Existing parks which have either degenerated into

dry fields or a play-area for children, will be spruced up to metamorphose into tree-parks.

And for upcoming ones like Arkavathy, a ear-marked space in the blue-print is a must, the

BDA has ruled. The role of resident welfare associations becomes significant, as the BDA

hopes to have interfaces with them for suggestions.

CO bandev : Bangalore Development Authority

IN i501 : Building Construction | i5010021 : Land Development/Subdivision | iconst : Construction

| icre : Construction/Real Estate





AN Document TOI0000020060518e25j0001n


SE REGIONAL

HD Farmers urged to raise pongamia plantations

BY Staff Reporter

WC 328 words

PD 17 May 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Collector wants one lakh acres to be covered

TD Plant can be raised in rocky areas with no irrigation facility Nursery set up for every two to

three mandals Sadassus being conducted at mandal and village-levels to motivate ryots

Collector G. Asok Kumar on Tuesday called upon farmers to raise pongamia plantations,

which would fetch them income without any investment. Addressing an awareness meet

organised by Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, at the Municipal Corporation meeting hall, he said

pongamia plantations could also be raised in rocky areas and parched lands without irrigation.

He wanted two crore pongamia saplings planted in one lakh acres. Raising pongamia

plantations in one crore hectares would result in production of 2.50 crore tonnes of alternative

fuel, he said. A farmer raising pongamia in one acre would get five kg of seeds in the third

year, Mr. Asok Kumar said. Labourers would be provided the work of planting the saplings all

365 days a year, he said. A nursery had been set up for every two to three mandals and

sadassus were being conducted at mandal and village-levels to motivate farmers, he said.

Job cards Besides distributing job cards to all the labourers under Andhra Pradesh Rural

Employment Guarantee Scheme by this month end, officials should ensure that workers

opened accounts either in banks or post offices for payment of their wages, the Collector said.

Mid-day meal He advised officials of the Education Department to continue mid-day meal

programme during vacations too. He urged MROs, MPDOs and Transco officials to motivate


farmers to fix capacitors to their motors by this month-end. Biotech representative

Venkateswara Reddy explained about benefits of pongamia with the help of a slide show.

Joint Collector Kanthilal Dande, ZP CEO P. Durga Prasad, DWMA project director P.

Easwara Reddy, Municipal Commissioner S. Aleem Basha, bankers and officials of revenue,

Panchayat Raj and Agriculture Departments also took part.


NS c21 : Output/Production | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News




AN Document THINDU0020060516e25h0006f


SE REGIONAL

HD Drive on bio-diesel begins at home

BY S. Harpal Singh

WC 349 words

PD 16 May 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP In a few years time Adilabad would become one of the top bio-diesel producing districts in the

State, what with the district administration placing it as one of the crucial items on its priority

list. Among the 43 nurseries where women self-help groups (SHG) raise the Kanuga or

Pongamia pinnata plants, the backyard of the district Collector's bungalow is one such where

as many as 1.3 lakh saplings are being raised.

Late last year when the State Government put thrust on bio-diesel plantation, Adilabad was

the first district to implement the programme. In January, identification of wastelands suitable

for Kanuga plantation was done.

TD In February, funds to the tune of Rs. 1 crore were released from National Food-for-Work

programme was released to raise 75 lakh seedlings in the nurseries for plantation in about a

reasonable extent of 30,000 acres. The actual target area for Pongamia plantation is 1 lakh

acres.

An early start

``Though the bio-diesel plantation is also a top priority item under the AP Rural Employment

Guarantee Scheme (REGS) we could not have waited for it to start in April. So we started


early preparations to enable us to plant the seedlings in July end or first week of August", said

Social Forestry deputy Conservator of Forests Prabhakar.

"In a district like Adilabad where people have normally lived amidst greenery it is natural that

they take to planting trees easily", Collector R. Subba Rao clarified about the success of the

plantation. The Collector incidentally tends to the nursery in his backyard every morning

accompanied by his wife Indira Devi.

The Social Forestry department has also identified 11,000 Kanuga `plus' trees for carrying out

grafting on 70,000 regular Kanuga seedlings. "This would reduce the time for the tree to bear

fruit from 6 to 4 years", pointed out Mr. Prabhakar.

"In another five years we are going to bag one of the top places in terms of bio-diesel

production in the State", the Collector added.


NS c31 : Marketing | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva





AN Document THINDU0020060515e25g00072


SE FF Features

HD Game for it Italian fashion label Benetton has launched Benetton Toybox, an...

WC 290 words

PD 10 May 2006

SN South China Morning Post

SC SCMP

PG 6

LA English

CY (c) 2006 South China Morning Post Publishers Limited, Hong Kong. All rights reserved.

LP Game for it Italian fashion label Benetton has launched Benetton Toybox, an online

multiplayer game site for anyone who wants to put their skills in animation, graphics or music

to the test and share their work online. The site features four games, with new ones added on

a regular basis. Test your skills at www.benettonplay.comDiesel turns on the charmsItalian

fashion house Diesel has launched its first jewellery line. The "Ransom" collection for women

includes playful letters with varying shapes of mother of pearl and reconstructed coral. The

tribal inspired "Collage" collection for men offers charms and amulets, including leather,

chains, horn and coral detailing. Diesel, LCX, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, TST.

Inquiries: 2416 2710Indian summer Madhu Pallo is holding a summer preview and sale of

women's designer fashion from India.

TD Modern and handcrafted tops, kaftans, kurtis and skirts, along with evening handbags in

Indian/western styles, are on sale tomorrow from 11am to 8pm. Ladies' Recreation Club,

Function Room, 10 Old Peak Rd, Mid-Levels. Inquiries: 9846 9691

Boateng puts trust in fund Givenchy menswear designer Ozwald Boateng (above) has lent his

support to a conservation initiative in his native Ghana. Boateng will collaborate with business

partners to set up the Made in Africa Trust. The project will raise money to buy land in Ghana

to farm the indigenous pongamia tree, from which farmers can extract bio-diesel to support

themselves.

http://www.benettonplay.comdiesel/


Mizrahi for men Designer Isaac Mizrahi (below) is extending his label to a capsule collection

for men that will be available from Bergdorf Goodman this autumn. The designer will eschew

trends to create plainer clothes for the collection.

Vivienne Tang

IN i453 : Clothing | idescl : Designer Clothing | iluxgds : Luxury Goods | iclt : Clothing/Textiles |

icnp : Consumer Products

NS gfas : Fashion | gcat : Political/General News | glife : Living/Lifestyle

RE china : China | hkong : Hong Kong | asiaz : Asia | chinaz : Greater China | devgcoz :

Emerging Market Countries | dvpcoz : Developing Economies | easiaz : Eastern Asia

PUB South China Morning Post Publishers Limited

AN Document SCMP000020060509e25a00032


SE STATES

HD ̀ Progress of biodiesel plant in Nalgonda encouraging'

BY Our Bureau

WC 215 words

PD 5 May 2006


SC BSNLNE

PG 21

LA English


LP German Govt announces grant of 380,000 Euros

Hyderabad , May 4

TD The biodiesel plant being set up by Southern Online Bio Technologies Ltd (SBT) in Nalgonda

district could well be a model project for the German funding agency to replicate elsewhere.

Giving indications to this effect, Ms Karin Kortmann, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal

Republic of Germany said, the progress of the plant, expected to provide biodiesel from

Pongamia/Jatropha was encouraging.

The German Government through GTZ has announced a grant of

380,000 to the SBT's biodiesel project under a public-private-partnership programme. The

grant would be routed through the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid

Tropics (ICRISAT), a press release from the company said. The research and development in

plantation of pongamia/jatropha and providing technology to the poor, needy farmers as well

as unemployed, graduate youth in setting up the oil extraction units are envisaged under the

project. The German delegation interacted with small farmers from various villages who had


gone in for the plantations. The Andhra Pradesh Government, keen on promoting the use of

biodiesel, has announced incentives. The Managing Director of SBT, Mr N. Satish Kumar,

scientists from ICRISAT and officials of Nabard also accompanied the German team.

CO sontsb : Southern Online Bio Technologies Ltd

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i1 : Energy | iint : Internet/Online Services

NS c24 : Capacity/Facilities | c11 : Plans/Strategy | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News

RE gfr : Germany | eecz : European Union Countries | eurz : Europe | weurz : Western Europe


AN Document BSNLNE0020060504e2550003k


SE Hommes et Stratégies

HD L'agriculture indienne en mutation

WC 2,497 words

PD 27 April 2006

SN La Tribune

SC TRDS

LA French

CY (c) 2006 La Tribune. Not to be redisseminated except as permitted by your subscriber

agreement.

LP Loin de ses succès actuels dans la "high-tech" et trente ans après sa révolution verte des

années 70, le pays connaît une grave crise agricole. Pour en sortir, l'Inde mise sur l'industrie

agroalimentaire, les OGM et les biocarburants. Et compte profiter de l'abolition des

subventions agricoles des pays riches prévue par l'OMC.

TD Seule une piste défoncée mène au village de Kethi Reddy Pally, au sud de Hyderabad, la

capitale de l'Andra Pradesh. Étrange spectacle dans cet État parmi les plus agricoles de l'Inde

que ces champs en jachère hérissés de rares arbres bravant la sécheresse. Les premières

habitations surgissent : des masures aux murs de terre blanchis à la chaux. Lakashmi, 35

ans, attend devant l'une d'elles, flanquée de ses trois filles et de sa mère. Dans cette partie du

village vivent des "dalits" (intouchables), la caste la plus basse dans la hiérarchie sociale et

religieuse indienne en principe abolie. "Il y a des jours où nous n'avons même pas 40 roupies

(88 centimes) pour vivre", soupire Lakashmi, saisonnière dans les champs environnants. Elle

est bien propriétaire d'un lopin de terre (un demi-acre), mais n'a ni argent ni personne pour

l'exploiter. Son mari ? "Il s'est pendu il y a un an. Trop de dettes." Ces dernières années, une

quinzaine d'autres suicides ont déjà endeuillé le village. "Presque toujours pour des questions

de dettes", raconte le maire, Prabhakareddy. En Inde, où l'activité d'usurier prospère sur le

dos des paysans dans le vide laissé par les banques, "on recense 26.000 suicides de

fermiers en dix ans, dont plus des deux tiers ces trois dernières années", affirme Dervin

Sharma, à la tête de l'ONG "Forum pour la biotechnologie et la sécurité alimentaire".

Sortir de l'impasse


Tel est l'autre visage de l'Inde. D'un côté des classes montantes de jeunes ingénieurs

polyglottes et rompus aux technologies de la communication. De l'autre 700 millions de ruraux

dont l'immense majorité a à peine de quoi se nourrir (près de 300 millions vivent avec moins

de 1 dollar par jour). Côté vitrine, de 150 à 200 millions de citadins dont le pouvoir d'achat

explose, et dans les coulisses des masses humaines privées d'eau saine, de soins et

d'éducation. "Savez-vous que, sur les 852 millions de personnes qui souffrent de faim dans le

monde, 320 millions se trouvent en Inde ? Ce n'est pas par manque de nourriture mais parce

qu'ils n'ont pas les moyens d'en acheter", fustige Devinder Sharma. "Sans accès aux crédits,

sans systèmes de conservation et sans camions frigorifiques, comment un petit paysan

pourrait-il s'en sortir ?", s'impatiente du haut de son mètre quatre-vingt-dix Vadde

Sobhanadreeswasa Rao, ancien ministre de l'Agriculture d'Andra Pradesh.

Pour sortir de l'impasse, le gouvernement attend beaucoup des négociations du cycle de

Doha sur la libéralisation du commerce international. "Si l'OMC [Organisation mondiale du

commerce] parvient à réduire les barrières douanières, éliminer les subventions à l'exportation

et diminuer les soutiens internes, les prix des denrées agricoles vont augmenter et l'Inde

pourra exporter davantage", se réjouit à l'avance Vadde Sobhanadreeswasa Rao. Le regard

fixé sur 2013, qui doit être marqué par la fin des subventions aux exportations des pays

riches, D. A. Somayajulu, vice-président de la mission sur les technologies agricoles de

l'Andra Pradesh, partage cette confiance : "l'Inde peut devenir le grenier à blé du monde et un

acteur important dans les énergies vertes." Mais les défis à relever sont immenses.

Dans les beaux quartiers de New Delhi, les parcs, les grandes avenues, les villas datant de la

colonisation britannique dessinent un cadre hors du temps. La ville a été épargnée par la

prolifération des gratte-ciel. En Inde, l'urbanisation n'en est qu'à ses débuts. L'agriculture fait

vivre ou survivre, directement ou indirectement, entre 65 % et 70 % de la population, même si

elle ne contribue qu'à 22 % du PIB environ. La question de la productivité se pose donc avec

une acuité rare. L'exode des paysans ? "C'est déjà une réalité. Mais dans les villes, personne

ne les attend", ironise Pramay Sharma, journaliste. "Pour eux, il n'y a ni emploi ni logements,

ils deviennent des exclus, font des petits boulots."

Malgré une forte croissance du PIB (environ 8 %), "les créations d'emplois restent limitées",

observe François Krueger, à la mission économique française à Delhi. "Chaque année, une

dizaine de millions d'agriculteurs quittent leurs terres à cause de la concurrence des produits

agricoles subventionnés des pays riches et de la volonté du gouvernement d'industrialiser

notre agriculture et de vouloir en faire une agriculture commerciale", s'impatiente Parshuram

Ray, responsable de l'ONG "Centre pour l'environnement et la sécurité alimentaire".

Dans une interview accordée au consultant McKinsey, le Premier ministre indien, Manmohan


Singh, qui fêtera en mai ses deux ans de pouvoir, déclare que l'urbanisation "est le résultat

inévitable de la croissance et de la modernisation". Il ne cache pas que son objectif est "une

situation où 50 % de (la) population vivra dans des espaces urbains" d'ici dix à quinze ans.

Des millions de paysans deviennent donc indésirables chez eux. Ce phénomène n'est pas

inconnu ailleurs. Il est également à l'oeuvre en Chine où près de 300 millions de paysans

devront abandonner leur terre en quinze ou vingt ans. Pour D. A. Somayajulu, "en Andra

Pradesh, la part de la population agricole pourrait passer de 62 % à 50 % d'ici cinq à sept

ans".

La foi en l'énergie verte

Selon D. A. Somayajulu, vice-président de la mission des technologies agricoles d'Andra

Pradesh, l'une des clés de la renaissance agricole réside dans les énergies vertes. Le

potentiel est immense. "En Inde, les surfaces arables représentent 55 % du territoire", dit-il. Et

"l'amélioration des systèmes d'irrigation rendrait possible l'exploitation d'une bonne partie des

terres sèches qui représentent 37 millions d'hectares", selon Vadde Sobhanadreeswasa Rao.

Dans certaines régions indiennes comme l'Andra Pradesh, la productivité de la culture du

maïs, à la base de l'éthanol tout comme le sorgho ou la canne à sucre, pourrait être multipliée

par deux et demi. "Nous voulons produire 10 millions de tonnes d'éthanol dans cinq ans",

prévoit D. A. Somayajulu. Il estime que "la culture du pongamia, dont l'huile est la base du

biodiésel, pourrait s'étendre sur 2 millions d'hectares d'ici à cinq ou dix ans en Andra Pradesh.

D'autres États s'y mettent", ajoute-t-il.

Un programme d'emplois

Trouver des emplois alternatifs reste toutefois un casse-tête. Le gouvernement est conscient

des risques liés à une urbanisation incontrôlée (chômage, inadaptation des infrastructures,

criminalité, sous-prolétariat...). Il s'efforce d'atteindre une croissance de la production

manufacturière d'au moins 12 % afin de rendre l'économie plus créatrice d'emplois. Dans les

campagnes, il a mis en place un programme d'emplois garantissant au moins cent jours

d'activité aux populations démunies payées au RMI local durant les cinq prochaines années,

et travaille par ailleurs à un "Projet national de l'innovation qui doit permettre de développer

une industrie agroalimentaire", explique un chercheur indien.

En fait, "l'Inde est tiraillée entre deux logiques", estime K. S. Gopal, responsable de l'ONG

"Centre de mobilisation pour l'environnement". "D'une part, elle est tentée de privilégier les

services pour espérer entraîner le reste de l'économie, et d'autre part elle sait qu'elle ne peut

pas abandonner le monde rural." Il y a deux ans, le BJP (parti nationaliste) a perdu les

élections pour n'avoir pas écouté la plainte qui s'élevait des campagnes. À cette donne

politique s'ajoutent "les pressions de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international


qui prennent prétexte des objectifs du millénaire pour inciter le gouvernement à intensifier son

action contre la pauvreté et libéraliser son économie", estime Anil K. Singh, responsable de

l'ONG "South Asia Network for Social et Agricultural Development".

Laissés en plan

Dans les années 70, le pays a accompli une première "révolution verte" pour éradiquer les

grandes famines. Aujourd'hui, il mise sur une nouvelle "révolution verte", explique Devinder

Sharma, avec cette fois l'objectif de "développer l'usage des technologies sophistiquées, des

OGM, l'industrie agroalimentaire dans le cadre de contrats d'exploitation passés entre

paysans et entreprises". Selon ce modèle, soutenu par les institutions internationales et les

multinationales de l'agroalimentaires et des "biotechs", les paysans doivent vendre à l'avance

leurs récoltes aux entreprises avec le risque de se voir imposer le choix des cultures et des

intrants (semences, pesticides...) dont elles sont fournisseurs. "Un projet de loi prévoit

justement de contraindre les paysans à acheter leurs graines auprès de certains fabricants ou

revendeurs faute de quoi ils ne seront pas assurés", souligne Anil K. Singh. "C'est un big-

bang agricole que prépare le gouvernement et tout cela parce qu'il espère exporter les

produits indiens lorsque le cycle de Doha sera conclu, ce qui est loin d'être acquis", ironise

Devinder Sharma.

"Si on fait le bilan des premières expériences des contrats d'exploitation, il y a de quoi être

inquiet", critique Suman Sahai, professeur de génétique renommée. Elle pointe du doigt des

entreprises qui ont laissé en plan les agriculteurs et leurs récoltes. "C'est une des raisons de

la crise qui frappe l'agriculture depuis trois ans", poursuit cet farouche défenseur du "Plant

Breeders Right", ce droit accordé aux agriculteurs de détenir et de vendre des semences. "La

plupart de nos agriculteurs ne peuvent même pas lire un contrat", se désespère Parshuram

Ray. Pour lui, "si le modèle des contrats d'exploitation s'étend, des millions d'hectares se

retrouveront entre les mains des multinationales".

Écrasée sous le soleil, menacée d'embolie routière, Hyderabad affiche ses allures de ville

moyen-orientale avec ses toits en terrasse et sa population musulmane. Cette cité, où s'est

précipité le président Bush lors de sa visite en Inde début mars, constitue l'un des pôles

d'avenir du pays dans les technologies de l'information et les biotechnologies. Ces dernières

sont perçues comme un atout pour redresser la productivité. "L'Inde est numéro trois pour la

production du coton, mais n'est que 72e en termes de productivité", explique Vadde

Sobhanadreeswasa Rao.

Les militants de la biodiversité

Le choix des gènes "c'est la seule stratégie de survie : conserver une large variété de gènes",


martèle Suman Suhai, militante de la biodiversité, responsable du mouvement "Gene

Campaign" et farouchement opposée à l'hégémonie des OGM. Cette scientifique travaille à "la

résurgence de plantes et cultures oubliées" pour lesquelles elle constitue des banques de

gènes et de semences. Suman Suhai met au point des méthodes de cultures biologiques

utilisant des pesticides et des engrais à base de produits naturels (biomasse...), moins néfaste

pour les sols que les produits chimiques et plus adaptées aux petits agriculteurs, commente-t-

elle. Pour sa part, le Dr J Venkateswarlu, ancien haut fonctionnaire chargé de l'agriculture

dans le gouvernement d'Andra Pradesh, estime que "le développement des OGM ne peut

qu'amplifier les problèmes d'alimentation et de santé déjà posés avec l'essor de la culture du

riz et du blé au détriment du sorgho et millet, plus riches sur le plan nutritif". Pour lui, une

alternative au modèle des contrats d'exploitation promu par le gouvernement réside dans "les

coopératives agricoles et le regroupement de cultivateurs".

Irrigation lacunaire

Pour nombre d'experts, la tentation des OGM est forte. Mais le débat est ultrasensible.

Suman Sahai, qui a pris la tête d'un mouvement la diversité des gènes, s'élève contre la

menace que font peser les OGM sur la biodiversité. "Les changements climatiques vont

rendre nécessaire une large variété de gènes qui, seule, permettra d'adapter l'agriculture aux

phénomènes extrêmes comme les sécheresses, les maladies...", dit-elle. En mai 2005, la

Commission de contrôle du génie génétique du gouvernement a supprimé les licences pour la

culture de trois variétés de coton génétiquement modifié développées par Monsanto. Selon

une étude d'ONG, leur rendement était inférieur à celui de cotons non modifiés et leur coût à

l'achat supérieur.

Aux antipodes de ces positions, Chengal Reddi relativise les bilans environnementaux

alarmistes et estime que l'avenir passe par une agriculture commerciale. "En Chine, certaines

cultures comme le coton génétiquement modifié sont 40 % plus rentables que chez nous",

affirme-t-il. Même observation pour le riz que la Chine produit à raison de 5,6 tonnes par

hectare par récolte contre 3 tonnes en Inde. Les raisons ? Il admet que les technologies

génétiques ne sont pas seules en cause : "Le système d'irrigation y est meilleur."

L'environnement ? "C'est une préoccupation qui vient après la priorité de survivre", considère

Chengal Reddi, qui veut voir son pays entrer dans la concurrence internationale. Il reste que

le principal ennemi de la mutation agricole est son archaïsme.

En moyenne, une exploitation se limite à 1,5 hectare. "5 % des agriculteurs détiennent 50 %

des terres cultivées", souligne le Dr J. Venkateswarlu. Selon lui, "la révolution verte a certes

augmenté les rendements mais les engrais et les pesticides chimiques ont pollué la terre par

des excès de nitrogène, phosphore, potasse et en l'appauvrissant en sulfate, zinc et en fer".

Sans parler de l'érosion, de la salinité, de l'urbanisation... "D'ici à 2050, la surface arable se


limitera à une centaine de millions d'hectares, en recul de 30 % sur la surface actuelle de 142

millions d'hectares", prévoit le Dr J.Venkateswarlu. La tendance se confirmera, surtout si le

système d'irrigation demeure aussi lacunaire. "35 % des terres seulement sont irrigués",

indique Yudhvir Singh, responsable du syndicat agricole Bhartiya Kissan Union (BKU), le

reste dépendant des caprices de la mousson. La cause ? "Le poids de l'agriculture dans le

budget a été divisé par trois depuis le premier plan (1951-1956)", s'insurge Chengal Reddi. La

R&D ? "Notre pays lui consacre à peine 0,5 % du PIB alors que nous avons un grand besoin

de reprendre des recherches en hybridation", déplore-t-il en dénonçant la corruption des

gouvernements locaux et "l'influence du lobby pétrolier qui capte les efforts du gouvernement

au profit du secteur de l'éthanol et du sucre". Pour Vadde Sobhanadreeswasa Rao,

"l'agriculture pourrait améliorer sa productivité de 60 % non seulement en améliorant son

système d'irrigation mais aussi en favorisant l'accès au crédit bancaire pour les paysans, en

développant des infrastructures et en assurant une information sur les prix agricoles et

renforçant la recherche agronomique". Une manne que l'Inde est impatiente de voir couler.

Mais à quel prix ?

Laurent Chemineau, envoyé spécial à Hyderabad et Delhi

RF 200604276P8QYL

ART La croissance du PIB indien (TR38-1)

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy | ialtful : Alternative Fuels

NS wto : World Trade Organization | ocat : International Pol-Econ Organizations



PUB La Tribune

AN Document TRDS000020060426e24r000pd


SE REGIONAL

HD Rythu sadassus from May 2

BY Staff Reporter

WC 176 words

PD 26 April 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Rythu sadassus will be held in Kadapa district from May 2 to 6 to motivate farmers to take up

Srivari paddy, pongamia plantations, alternative crops and drip irrigation, Collector G. Asok

Kumar said on Monday.

The sadassus will be held at Rajampet on May 2, Jammalamadugu on May 4, Badvel on May

5 and Kadapa on May 6, he told officials at a meeting here. A sum of Rs. 5 lakhs has been

allotted for holding each divisional rythu sadassu and arranging transport and food for ryots.

TD He called for organisation of a cattle show, horticultural exhibitions, display of drip irrigation

implements and power capacitors. Farmers benefiting through Comprehensive Land

Development Programme and crop loans and model farmers and agricultural scientists should

participate in the sadassus, he said.

As many as 35,000 had been installed and the remaining should be fixed by this month-end,

he said. Divisional official meetings would be held at Rajampet on April 26, Jammalamadugu

on April 27 and Kadapa on April 28.


NS c315 : Conferences/Exhibitions | c31 : Marketing | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat :

Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E Industry News Filter





AN Document THINDU0020060426e24q0003u


SE REGIONAL

HD Progress in bio-diesel use on show

BY Staff Reporter

WC 390 words

PD 26 April 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Railways have made great strides in the production and use of bio-diesel

TD Railways have conducted trial runs using mixtures of bio-diesel and petro-diesel 23 road

vehicles are running on mixtures Bio-diesel can make country self-reliant in energy field The

various stages of progress achieved in the use of bio-diesel as fuel to run trains have been

showcased at a stall put by the Indian Railways at the Thrissur Pooram exhibition. According

to the materials displayed at the stall, the Railways have made substantial progress in the

production and use of bio-diesel extracted from plants like Jatropha Curcas and Pongamia

Pinnata. The Railways have already built plants to extract diesel from plants and conducted

trial runs on different types of vehicles using mixtures of bio-diesel and petro-diesel. At

present, 23 road vehicles are running on bio-diesel and petro-diesel mixture on a trial basis at

the Railways' bio-diesel manufacturing plant at Perambur, near Chennai. Two meter-gauge

train, two Diesel Electrical Multiple Unit (DMEU) trains and one broad-gauge train have been

powered with the mixture. Emphasising the importance of development of bio-diesel as an

alternative fuel, the experts at the stall said this could play an important role in the overall

economy of Railways, which has a large fleet of about 5,000 engines. If developed on a large-

scale, bio-diesel can make the country self-reliant in the energy field. "Oil processing is simple

and suited to rural areas. It can increase rural employment potential as well as infuse

dynamism into the rural economy. It can also make decentralised power generation in rural


areas feasible,'' explained the experts. Bio-diesel is environment-friendly oil. It is free from

sulphur, and has 10 per cent dissolved oxygen, which meant complete combustion and

reduced carbon monoxide. Since bio-diesel is produced through massive plantation, carbon

dioxide recycling will be enhanced, they said. The stall, which was inaugurated by Divisional

Railway Manager S Vijayakumaran, showcases other exhibits, including a running model of

Rajdhani Express and various types of static train models from the Integral Coach Factory.

Panels displaying the history of the Railways and providing several useful information to the

passengers have also been put up at the stall.

CO inrail : Indian Railways

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i1 : Energy | i71 : Railroads | irailtr : Road/Rail Transport | itsp :

Transportation/Shipping





AN Document THINDU0020060426e24q0003o


HD Langkawi, naturally

BY By ALAN TEH LEAM SENG

WC 1,923 words

PD 11 April 2006

SN New Straits Times

SC NSTRAT

PG 08

LA English

CY (c) 2006 New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad.

LP WHERE can you go to listen to the mating call of crickets, watch crabs making sand marbles

or breakfast with dusky leaf monkeys? ALAN TEH LEAM SENG writes WHAT do you do if

you're stung by a jellyfish? Make your way to the nearest clinic or hospital while writhing in

pain along the way? Well, actually help is at hand and it's very much closer than you think.

The sap from the sea morning glory (Ipomoea pescaprae) or tapak kuda, a plant that can be

found at most beaches, can relieve the painful sting effectively and quickly.

These creepers, a close relative of the sweet potato, kangkung and the terrestrial morning

glory also plays a part in preventing beach erosion and stabilising the beach sand. Want to

find out more interesting things about Nature? Who knows when such information can come

in useful? Pulau Langkawi has much to offer in terms of its natural wealth and Burau Bay, with

its lush green tropical forest, is one place where you can uncover many of Mother Nature's

secrets.

TD There, you can make Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort your "camp" from which you can step

into a more captivating realm, one filled with plants and animals of all shapes and sizes.

As you make your way to your very own cabana by the sea, various sights, smells and

sounds will stimulate your senses. Just look around and you may spot a hornbill flitting

between the trees or a sand lizard ducking into the safety of its hidey-hole.


There is so much to see here, so don't spend your holiday in the air-conditioned comfort of

your chalet.

All you need to unearth Nature's gems are a keen sight and an observant mind. There is

always something different to look at in every nook and cranny.

In the morning, you will most probably see the dusky leaf monkey (Presbytis obscura) or

lutong up close. This primate has become a daily attraction for guests who breakfast at the

Dayang Cafe. At the crack of dawn, many of the lutong will emerge from the forest fringes

surrounding the resort and "monkey" around at the cafe and lobby area until noon.

They are only absent when it rains.

Resort general manager Maxson Abdullah says that every effort should be made to protect

the fragile environment.

"The resort conducts ecological and environmental studies right here at Burau Bay for local

secondary students. Nearly all schools in Langkawi have participated in our nature awareness

programme and the students have had a truly wonderful time discovering Langkawi's natural

wonders," he says.

A walk along the beach will reveal the abodes of creatures that few city dwellers come across

in their everyday life, like crabs. There are sand bubbler crabs, moon crabs and ghost crabs.

Keep your eyes trained on the ground and you'd soon spot one scurrying across the sand.

The sand bubbler crab (Scopimera inflata) or ketam pasir is responsible for forming little balls

of sand which it leaves behind after sifting it through for organic dentrital matter. It prefers

sandier areas and have numerous stiff hairs located on the legs. Being a detritus feeder, the

sand bubbler carves out grooves in the sand as it chomps along, quickly sifting out detritus

particles hidden in the sand with its highly adapted mouth parts, leaving distinctive, straight

trails of neatly rolled up sand marbles.

This crab is an important link in the food chain as it feeds on organic matter in the sand and in

turn, is food for other animals and birds.

If you wait patiently by one of these burrows with sand pellets surrounding it, you may be

lucky enough to see its resident making its signature sand pellets! The adventurous can go on

the Pulau Anak Burau Jungle Trek challenge.

Located on a small island directly opposite the resort, it is a 60m jungle trail specially marked


by the resort's recreational department for its guests.

"It is safe and the trip will prove to be both memorable and educational. The trip is free and is

exclusively available to our guests only," says Maxson.

This tiny island is about five hectares in size and consists of untouched primary forest.

Various animals, insects and plants make their home here but there are no snakes, so

herpetology buffs will have to look elsewhere.

There are ample, easy-to-understand signboards explaining the various life forms you may

find along the trail. The resort's eco-marshals patrol the island regularly to ensure the safety of

holidaymakers.

Before you embark on your trip however, please check with the resort's recreation department

for the tide table. There are two low tides daily. One is usually during daylight hours. Since

low tides vary in their depth, it is important to pick the lowest possible when the entire inter

tidal zone will be exposed. As a rule of thumb, try to reach the area well before the low tide

and then follow the tide down to its lowest level, where the conditions will stay that way for

one to two hours.

You can walk safely through the shallow channel separating the resort and the island during

low tides. It is important to note the time of the next turn of tide or else you may be stranded

there. It is also good to inform the resort management of your trip. You must wear proper

trekking shoes, bring along bottled water and if you like, a notebook to record your

observations. Avoid slippers or footwear with smooth soles.

You can also rent a fishing rod complete with bait at the recreation department. The island is

known to offer great fishing. Wearing of gloves is recommended when examining sharp rocks

or shells.

The resort's human resource executive cum resident naturalist Mohd Nafizal Abu Bakar

advises visitors to refrain from disturbing the delicate ecosystem on the island. "If you move a

rock to see the creatures underneath it, remember to turn it back or else the creatures will

surely perish from exposure," he cautions.

Burau Bay has its fair share of flora and most of them are useful to Man either in the form of

food or as a cure for various ailments.

"Take the humble Indian beech or mempari (Pongamia pinnata) for example. Who would have

thought that it is a powerful antidote for poisons, able to induce abortions and even cure


heatiness," says Nafizal adding that most medicine men use it as part of their arsenal of

cures.

Nafizal recommends that visitors take a pleasant walk along the seashore, as it is a very

dynamic environment. "During high tide, the shore is covered by seawater and becomes part

of the sea but when the tide goes down, the shore is exposed and for several hours it is

reclaimed by the land," he says.

At low tide, it becomes a rich source of food for those who know where to look. The edible

Neritia sp or mata lembu is found in abundance.

Local boys Fandi Rozaki from Belibis and Khairul Naqiudin Saimen from Padang Matsirat,

both 11, often collect this shellfish amongst the exposed rocks during low tide. They say it

takes less than an hour for them to collect a plastic bagful each. Fandi says the shellfish is

delicious when boiled and dipped in sauce.

Before calling it a day at your chalet, switch off the lights and be serenaded to sleep by the

calls of the Andaman Island spotted day gecko (Phelsuma sp.), a nocturnal reptile that feeds

on insects and smaller lizards. In the daytime, look in dark corners and who knows, you may

be rewarded by looking at the gecko right in the eye.

SOME INHABITANTS OF BURAU BAY Cicada: Listen to the male cicada making the loudest

sound in the insect kingdom. The mating sound can be heard as far as 440 metres, an

amazing feat considering these invertebrates are only eight cms in length. Cicadas live in

trees and have a lifespan of slightly more than a month.

Squirrel: Common in Burau Bay Resort, squirrels can be seen leaping from tree to tree.

Occasionally it can be an uninvited guest in your chalet, looking for food remnants. Its efficient

bushy tail is often used as a rudder for balance, a parachute during long leaps, a blanket for

warmth especially during cold nights and also to warn others of its kind of impending danger.

Ghost crab (Ocypode ceratophthalma) or ketam angin: This common crab digs prominent

holes and hides in burrows in the high supralittoral sand zone.

It can absorb water from wet sand by means of special hair located at the base of its legs.

They scavenge and hunt small animals and shellfish.

They are fast runners with excellent stereoscopic vision.

Moon crab (Matuta lunaris) or ketam bulan: This omnivorous crustacean species is common


in tidal sand flats to muddy open areas where they burrow and hide just below the surface

during the day. As a result, they are rarely seen during the day. They are edible.

Common butterfly lizard (Leiolepis belliana) or biawak pasir: A burrowing species found in

abundant in Burau Bay, it is characterised by its greenish-grey colour, patterned with

yellowish spots and handsome black and orange markings along the flank. More often than

not it can be found basking in the sun on the beach. If you spot one, remain extremely still or

else it will be alarmed and quickly return to its burrow.

GETTING THERE By Air: Langkawi consists of 104 islands, many of which are small and

uninhabited. It is referred to as Junk Ceylon by ancient British mariners. It is about 50 minutes

flying time from Kuala Lumpur where the national carrier, Malaysian Airlines and AirAsia make

several daily flights. There are also several scheduled international direct flights from various

countries. The airport is 20 kms from Kuah and 10 kms to Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort.

By Road: Five to six hours drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah while the journey to

Kuala Perlis is about seven hours. High-speed ferries operate from Kuala Kedah and Kuala

Perlis throughout the day. There are also regular ferry services from Penang as well as from

neighbouring Satun in south Thailand. Once on the island, getting to Mutiara Burau Bay

Beach Resort is easy as there are many taxis and cars for hire. Just follow road signs.

By Rail: Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) provides a comfortable and and fast rail service

through its Express Langkawi to Alor Star (Kedah) and Arau (Perlis). From there, just hop on

a taxi or bus to either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis and board a ferry to Langkawi.

ACCOMMODATION Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort offers comfortable cabana-style

accommodation. For reservation and information, call 04-959 1061; fax 04-959 1172; or

access www.mutiarahotels.com PACKAGES Burau Getaway: RM438 nett for 3D/2N stay in

a superior cabana with garden view Romance in Burau: RM438 nett for 3D/2N stay in a studio

cabana with garden view, inclusive of candle-light dinner at Seashells Beach Cafe, bouquet of

flowers for the bride and airport transfer.

Fun at Burau by the Bay: From RM188+.

All packages come with daily buffet breakfast at the Dayang Cafe, welcome fruit basket and

welcome drink at the Sampan Bar, complimentary coffee/tea making facilities in the room and

late checkout until 2pm (subject to availability).

NS gtour : Travel | gcat : Political/General News | glife : Living/Lifestyle

http://www.mutiarahotels.com/


PUB New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

AN Document NSTRAT0020060412e24b00012


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD VSP installs air quality monitoring station at zoo


WC 324 words

PD 9 April 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP DFO inaugurates high volume sampler

TD Staff of Environment Management Department of VSP design equipment DFO urges

industries to help for the cause of environment protection Large-scale afforestation also taken

up in VSP, says head of EnMD A high volume sampler (HVS) for monitoring the ambient air

quality parameters — suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides — was

inaugurated by District Forest Officer Vijayakar at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park on

Friday. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) provided the HVS equipment. Speaking on the

occasion, Mr. Vijayakar appreciated the innovative idea of the employees of the Environment

Management Department (EnMD) of VSP and the efforts put in by it in carrying out the

monitoring activities in a far-flung place like the zoo to fulfil not only the statutory requirement

but also a vital social need. He appealed to all industries to follow the VSP example and

extend help for the cause of environment. Welcoming the gathering, S. Saran, Deputy

General Manager and head of EnMD in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, said that the designers

and engineers in VSP meticulously planned to break the nexus between industrial growth and

environmental degradation by providing a wide array of pollution control equipment with huge

investment. In addition, large-scale afforestation was also taken up in VSP and as of now over

37.2-lakh trees including 80,000 pongamia (bio-diesel plant) had been planted in an area of

3,431 hectares which accounted for 40.7 per cent of the VSP's total land area of 8,265


hectares, he said. Curator thanked He also thanked curator of the zoo B. Vijaya Kumar for

according permission to the VSP to make permanent arrangements within the zoo premises

for installing the HVS equipment. Assistant Manager of EnMD V.V.R.V. Prasada Raju, under

whose supervision the facility was fabricated and installed, proposed a vote of thanks.

IN i97412 : Theaters/Entertainment Venues | ilea : Leisure/Arts

NS genv : Environmental News | gqual : Air/Water/Land Quality | ccsr : Corporate Social

Responsibility | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | gcat : Political/General News | ncat :

Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpex : FC&E Executive News Filter


AN Document THINDU0020060408e2490001u


HD A partly cloudy outlook for European sun care.(EuroTrends)

BY Rudd, Vivienne

WC 1,453 words

PD 1 April 2006

SN Household & Personal Products Industry

SC HPPI

PG 34

VOL ISSN: 0090-8878; Volume 43; Issue 4

LA English

CY Copyright 2006 Gale Group Inc. All rights reserved.

LP NEVER MIND GLOBAL WARMING, the European sun care market is showing distinct signs

of cooling down. Maybe it's two years of poor weather, or a slowdown in the travel industry, or

even because the market has found its level, but whatever the reason, few of national

markets have been able to repeat the meteoric growth of recent years.

In France, for example, ECM calculations based on figures from the Federation des Industries

de la Parfumerie show that the sun care market fell 0.1%, in 2004 to $398 million. In 2005, the

market recovered a little due to a bounce back in the mass market, where super/hypermarket

sales saw a marked return to growth both in value and volume terms. Matters weren't much

better in Italy, where sales rose just 0.3% to $356 million in 2004, acccording to Unipro. Mintel

expects a slightly better result for 2005, anticipating growth of 1%

TD Still, growth is growth, and much better news came from Germany, where value sales rose a

hefty 9.2% to $151 million, on volume growth of 13.9c2 to 26.1 million units. Spain's sunny

climes and healthy tourist industry means that, for once, it is not far behind Germany in terms

of value. Figures for 2005 are not yet in, but industry sources are optimistic, hoping to

reproduce the 11.6% growth of 2004 to $128 million. Sales surged in the UK, where Taylor

Nelson Sofres reported growth of 13.2% to $330 million in 2005. But TNS noted that the

growth came from consumers either trading up or buying bigger bottles--and not from new

customers entering the market.

Bringing new consumers to the category is a challenge for the industry, and with the seasonal


sun care market, it's vital to get consumers to spend as much as possible when they do come

to the counter. To that end, the industry is doing its best to clear up consumer confusion over

UVA versus UVB damage. Unfortunately, national rivalries are clouding the issue. UK retailer

Boots uses a five star I/VA protection rating alongside the more recognized SPF UVB system

on its own label Soltan brand and requires all other brands in its stores to use the system on

their packaging. However, Beiersdorf's Nivea is trying to sell Colipa on the universal value of

its own UVA rating, which it uses in Germany, and now L'Oreal has joined the fray. In France,

the Solar Expert line from L'Oreal Paris includes a UVA protection rating, which ranges from

one + for low protection to +++ for high protection, accompanied by the tagline: "against the

aging effect of the sun."

Consumers are still confused about the difference between UVA and UVB, but they are

becoming more convinced of the value of a higher SPF rating. Sales of products with SPFs of

15 and above are on the rise everywhere. In the UK, for example, they account for some 70%

of the sun protection market and France, too, is approaching this level. In Italy, however, sun

worshippers still hold sway and products with SPFI-7 account for about 60% of sales.

Yet, manufacturers understand that it is no longer enough to promise high SPFs in the sun

protection category, they must offer skin care benefits too.

Sun Care as Skin Care

In the pharmacy channel, for example, Avene from the Pierre Fabre stable has introduced

Cleanance Solaire, a double-action sun cream with SPF40, specifically designed for acne-

prone skin thanks to sebum-regulating pumpkin seed extract and zinc gluconate. Avene also

launched Creme and Lait Minerale with SPF50 for skin that suffers from photo-intolerance.

J&J's RoC has added Le Baume Mineral Zones Fragiles IP50+ to its Minesol range. It

protects sensitive areas such as beauty marks, scars and hyperpigmentation patches. J&J

also reformulated the Minesol range with new filters for additional protection against photo-

aging, feverfew PFE to soothe and prevent oxidation and wheat polypeptides to boost

protection.

In the mass market, L'Oreal and Nivea slug it out for dominance among the proprietary

brands. Garnier's Ambre Solaire has created a range of sprays called UV Sensitive

formulated to protect and care for sun-sensitive skin and boasting SPFs 40 and 50.

Stablemate L'Oreal Paris has built on its skin care image, adding Active Anti-Rides et Taches

Solaire to its Solar Expert range. The cream is said to be a true weapon against cutaneous

aging, by preventing the formation of wrinkles and dark patches with a trio of Melanin Control,


Boswelox and Activa Cell.

Nivea has combined high protection and skin moisturization. Soin Hydratant Spray Protecteur

SPF50+ contains Hydramine, a component of the skin that reportedly maintains optimum

hydration levels to help minimize cell damage caused by UV.

The few selective brands that continue to develop sun protection lines have tended to do so

with the explicit promise of anti-aging or body care benefits. Sisley has brought its

unashamedly high prices to the category with Sunleya, a sunblock sold as an anti-aging

cream with the anti-aging price of $156. The cream contains plant extracts, minerals and

vitamins as well as shea butter, cucumber extract and plant glycerin.

Clarins has also emphasized the anti-aging properties of its new sun care products, but at a

more conventional price point. The company says it has identified and neutralized AP1, a

protein complex primarily responsible for photo-aging. It has also developed the Phyto-

Sunactyl 2 complex of pea, plantain, olive leaf, baobab and candle bush extracts to help the

fight against photo-aging and help prevent cellular damage. The headline product in the

resulting Soins Solaire Visage line is Soin Anti-Rides Contour des Yeux Tris Haute Protection

SPF30, which promises to protect the area around the eyes with ultra micronized particles of

titanium dioxide. The line includes a stick to protect the lips, nose and ears, and an anti-

wrinkle cream.

Biotherm has used its skin care heritage to create an anti-aging sun care line. Pure extract of

thermal plankton, combined with moisturizing agents in the BioFirm complex, helps protect

skin from facial wrinkles and loss of firmness, while a combination of filters protects skin from

UV and the appearance of age spots. Multi-protection's star products are Anti-Wrinkle Sun

Cream for the face and neck with SPF8, 15 or 30, Glossy Shine Sun SPF15 for the lips, Sun

Sport Spray SPF15 and Contouring Gel-Cream, which combines sun protection with body

contouring.

Lancaster, too, is promoting body shaping with a three-step sun protection program based on

its Sunshape Complex of green tea and yerba mate extracts. Celluli-Breaker Tan Stimulator

should be applied a month before a holiday to boost melanin synthesis with Meditan and the

Tan Activator Complex for 40% more tanning. Celluli-Burner Tan Booster, available in SPF8

and SPF15 versions, promises 73% better tanning. Celluli-Drainer Tan Prolonger promises to

prolong tanning after the holiday is over and continues the slimming process. Tan Perfector

Smoothing Scrub helps tanning and shaping results with apricot kernel, argan and sweet

almond oils.

Hot Properties


As the sun care category has taken on the characteristics of the skin and body care

categories, the arrival of niche brands was inevitable. The Organic Pharmacy has developed

Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF18 and SPF25, which contain the Zinc Clear UV filter

along with pongamia extract and pearl extract to promote new cell growth and maintain skin

tone; red, white and green tea extract for antioxidant action and hydrating rosehip and shea

butter.

Dr. Hauschka's Protective Sun Cream SPF8 includes moisturizing avocado, apricot kernel

and olive oils and raspberry seed extract with protective mullein and buckwheat extract.

Jason's Sunbrella sunblock is described as chemical-free, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free

and is said to be particularly suitable for babies and adults with sensitive skin thanks to

chamomile and marigold extracts.

Lavera has repackaged and reformulated its Sun range with cold-pressed sunflower oil and

high loads of vitamin E, beta carotene and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Sonnenmilch Neutral

SPF40, designed for sensitive skin, does not contain essential oils or herbal extracts. Instead,

glycerine, almond oil and evening primrose oil provide the skin care benefits.

EUROPEAN COSMETIC MARKETS IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY QUEST MAGAZINES &

EVENTS. IT PROVIDES IN-DEPTH DATA AND ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN

COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES MARKET. FOR SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS CONTACT

QUEST MAGAZINES & EVENTS, TEL: (44) 20 7549 8626; FAX: (44) 20 7549 8622.

VIVIENNE RUDD EDITOR, EUROPEAN COSMETIC MARKET

RF COPYRIGHT 2006 Rodman Publishing

CO brsdrf : Beiersdorf AG | finty : Taylor Nelson Sofres plc

IN isun : Sun Care Products | i258 : Cosmetics/Toiletries | icnp : Consumer Products | ipcare :

Personal Care Products/Appliances | i2583 : Skin Care Products | i83952 : Market

Research/Public Relations | i8395201 : Market Research/Opinion Polling | iadv :

Advertising/Public Relations/Marketing

NS ccat : Corporate/Industrial News

RE usa : United States | namz : North America

IPD Trade | Magazine/Journal | Advertising, marketing and public relations | Business | Chemicals,

plastics and rubber industries | Containers and packaging industries | Pharmaceuticals and


cosmetics industries | Toilet preparations | Toiletries industry

PUB Rodman Publications, Inc.

AN Document HPPI000020060503e2410001g


SE REGIONAL

HD Take up bio-diesel plantation, ryots told

BY Staff Reporter

WC 124 words

PD 13 March 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP Adilabad Collector R. Subba Rao on Sunday told farmers to take up bio-diesel plantation

under the coming AP Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (REGS). He said fuel oil from

the trees of Pongamia and Jatropha was the only answer to the country's growing

dependence on other nations.

Disbursing assets at a loan mela organised by Adilabad District Cooperative Central Bank

(DCCB), the Collector said the import of fuel oils caused depletion of precious foreign

exchange.

TD Mr. Subba Rao also asked the farmers to attend the ensuing Rythu Chaitanya Yatras and

Sadassus in the district. He said scientists and experts would tell them about cropping

patterns and technologies to be used at these programmes.







AN Document THINDU0020060312e23d0001p


SE REGIONAL

HD Review meet held on bio-diesel plantation

BY Staff Reporter

WC 148 words

PD 10 March 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Rs.100 cr. allocated for the scheme

The price for procurement of pongamia or kanuga seeds from private agencies for raising

nurseries of this bio-diesel plantation in the district has been fixed at Rs. 20 per kg.

TD About 180 quintals would be needed for raising 32 nurseries in the district which would grow

over 64 lakh seedlings.

At a review meeting on bio-diesel plantation programme under the Andhra Pradesh Rural

Employment Guarantee Scheme in Adilabad district, Collector R. Subba Rao said that Rs.

100 crores have been allocated for the scheme.

Jatropha and Pongamia plantation would be taken up by Forest, Rural Development,

Revenue, Agriculture, tribal Welfare and Horticulture departments in the district in 1 lakh

acres.

While pongamia would be planted in 63,318 acres, jatropha would be planted in 14,385 acres,

he said.







AN Document THINDU0020060309e23a000dv


SE REGIONAL

HD Jatropha cultivation planned in a big way in Kurnool district

BY Staff Reporter

WC 414 words

PD 4 March 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP District administration earmarks 50,000 acres for the biodiesel -yielding plant

TD Ryots told to go for cultivation of the plant in rugged soils Jatropha can withstand any amount

of water stress Southern Biofuels authorised to procure seed from farmers A target of 50,000

acres was set for planting bio-diesel yielding Jatropha Curcus in Kurnool district this year.

However, achieving the target appears to be difficult considering the problems at

implementation level. No single agency has been named responsible for promotion of

cultivation of Jatropha even though District Water Management Agency (DWMA) was

identified as coordinating agency. The DWMA has its activity confined to only the watershed

mandals while in other places it is to depend upon the Agriculture and Horticulture

departments. The role of the Forest Department was confined to the notified forest areas only.

Moreover, the Forest Department was advised to take up cultivation of `pongamia,' another

bio-oil species. Advise to farmers Last year, around 5,000 acres was brought under Jatropha

Curcus in the district. Under the irrigation conditions, the plants gave nominal yield while the

optimum yield of five kg could be expected only after the fifth year. A rugged plant, Jatropha

could withstand any amount of water stress by shedding the leaves during dry months and

resuming shoots in wet months. Y. Rajendra and C. Harichandra Reddy, Assistant Project

Directors of DWMA, said they were advising the farmers to go for cultivation of Jatropha in

degraded soils. The farmers who came forward to plant Jatropha in prime lands were told to


think twice before planting as they might lose immediate income. Income projections As per

the projections of the scientists, the yield was likely to reach 5,000 kg per acre by the fifth year

ensuring an income of Rs. 30,000. In the second year itself, the farmer could harvest 1,000 kg

valued at Rs. 6,000. Mr. Rajendra said only Jatropha was advised for Kurnool district initially

but now Jatropha as well as pongamia would be cultivated in equal extent. The gestation

period of pongamia was reduced from eight years to three years after the grafting method was

introduced. Southern Bio-fuels, which put up its plant at Kakinada, was identified as the

agency authorised to procure seed from the farmers at Rs. 6 a kg. The DWMA itself was

buying the seed from the farmers to meet the seed demand.

IN i01001 : Agriculture | ibioful : Biofuels | i5010025 : Industrial Building Construction | i0100132 :

Oilseed/Grain Farming | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i1 : Energy | i501 : Building Construction |

ialtful : Alternative Fuels | iconst : Construction | icre : Construction/Real Estate

NS c24 : Capacity/Facilities | c13 : Regulation/Government Policy | ccat : Corporate/Industrial





AN Document THINDU0020060303e2340007f


SE REGIONAL

HD Collector for action against flesh trade

BY Staff Reporter

WC 295 words

PD 1 March 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Asks officials to conduct legal literacy camps for girls

TD Balika sanghams to be engaged in maintaining nurseries Officials asked to enroll children of

liberated sex workers in schools Collector G. Asok Kumar on Tuesday directed officials and

police to deal sternly with brokers luring women with monetary benefits and shifting them to

brothel houses.Addressing a meeting on Regional Network Against Immoral Trafficking of

Women in his chambers, Mr. Asok Kumar asked its members to tour affected villages once in

ten days and review the situation. Calls for weekly reports Urging them to submit weekly

reports on their activities, he called for strict vigil and steps to ensure that no woman was

forced into flesh trade. Meetings should be held with Balika Sanghams and rural folk

enlightened on the adverse effects of girls entering flesh trade. District samakhya members,

who underwent training on AIDS prevention, should be involved in the meetings, he said.

Balika sanghams would be entrusted with maintaining nurseries to raise saplings needed for

pongamia block plantations, Mr. Asok Kumar stated. Girls should be trained in tailoring and

other such works. Children of liberated sex workers should be enrolled in schools, he told

officials. Network activities in Anantapur and Chittoor districts should be monitored. Five

brokers were identified and 12 liberated sex workers were being trained as health volunteers

in Durgabai Deshmukh Vikasa Kendram, he said. He asked Women and Child Welfare

officials to hold legal literacy camps for adolescent girls. They should ascertain if loanees


used money properly. Executive Director of SC Corporation and Network Coordinator M.

Revathi, ICDS Project Director Sowbhagya- lakshmi, A.P. Mahila Commission Director M.

Saraswathi Devi, Network Resource Person Sridevi and Coordinator of Open Schools

Narayana took part.

IN i95109 : Child Day Care Services | i983 : Educational Services | ibcs : Business/Consumer

Services

NS gprost : Prostitution | gcat : Political/General News | gcom : Society/Community/Work | gsoc :

Social Issues


AN Document THINDU0020060228e2310006a


SE REGIONAL

HD Pongamia plantation set to get a fillip in Adilabad

BY S. Harpal Singh

WC 393 words

PD 22 February 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP To be linked with Rural Employment Guarantee Programme; target is to take up plantation in

one lakh acres in the district

TD Over 100 Self-Help Groups to raise nurseries Those on the fringes of water bodies are the

most favoured lands To extract maximum benefit out of the Andhra Pradesh Rural

Employment Guarantee Scheme (REGS) and the mission to promote bio-diesel plantation,

the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Utnoor, will link both activities. Self-Help

Groups (SHGs) in tribal areas will be encouraged by the ITDA to raise Pongamia nurseries

during the coming months, thereby providing them the much-needed employment. ITDA

Project Officer Saurabh Gaur has seen in linking the two concurrent running programmes, an

opportunity to strengthen economic activities of SHGs. About 100 groups will be asked to

raise Pongamia nurseries which provide them employment and help meet the large-scale

demand for Pongamia saplings in the district in near future. The target is to take up plantation

in one lakh acres in Adilabad district. Plantation in each acre needs about 20,000 saplings.

"Some of the groups, like 20 SHGs in Sirpur-U, have been raising nurseries. Members of

these groups are therefore enthusiastic about raising Pongamia nurseries. Because the

plantation period of such nurseries is about 90 to 100 days, the activity can best serve the

purpose if linked with the REGS," says Mr. Gaur. Identification of groups At present,

identification of groups and the land needed for plantation is being done. The Haimendorf


youth group at Marlavai village in Jainoor mandal has already identified 5,500 acres of land

for raising the nurseries. The most favoured lands will of course be those on the fringes of

water bodies. Nevertheless, the ITDA is also in a mood to dig borewells for the purpose and

fund procurement of tractors to a collective of SHGs wherever needed. The ITDA Project

Officer has said the demand for Pongamia saplings in the district will be of the order of 40

lakhs. Each of the proposed 100 nurseries could raise 50,000 saplings. "At a conservatively

estimated Rs. 3 per sapling, every group is likely to earn about Rs. 1.5 lakh from the nursery.

Of course, they have to purchase their own seed in the beginning," he pointed out.






AN Document THINDU0020060221e22m0003q


HD ADM SETS UP $2-MILLION BIOFUEL PLANT (sets up a 50-tonnes per day biodiesel plant in

Latur that will be ready for production by Aug 2006)

CR Economic Times. Feb 17, 2006; pg 4

WC 161 words

PD 17 February 2006


SC WIBI

VOL 0013-0389

LA English


LP The $36-billion Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company, the largest biodiesel manufacturer in

the US, has set up a $2-million state- of-the-art biofuel plant in India. The company's joint

venture in India, Tinna Oils and Chemicals, has set up a 50-tonnes per day biodiesel plant in

Latur, which will be ready for production by Aug 2006. ADM has tied up with farmers, State

government bodies and agricultural universities that are growing jatropha and pongamia in

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttaranchal, north Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. ADM,

which is also an agricultural processor of soya beans, corn, wheat and cocoa, has tied up with

brands like Amul, Rasna, Nestle, Britannia, Perfetti, Amway and Fun Foods for supplying

sweeteners, flour, cocoa and vitamins.

RF ABSTRACT|DAILY

CO arch : Archer Daniels Midland Company

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural Gas | imet : Metals/Mining | i1 : Energy | i41 :

Food/Beverages/Tobacco


Types

RE icst : Cote d'Ivoire | india : India | africaz : Africa | asiaz : Asia | devgcoz : Emerging Market

Countries | dvpcoz : Developing Economies | indsubz : Indian Subcontinent | sasiaz :

Southern Asia | wafrz : West Africa



Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Startups-and-closures | Investment-and-

capital-expenditure


AN Document WIBI000020060221e22h00035


HD SCCL TO SET UP MACHINERY TO PRODUCE BIO-DIESEL (plans to use bio-diesel in its

coal transportation vehicles)

CR Business Standard. Feb 17, 2006; pg NA

WC 124 words

PD 17 February 2006


SC WIBI

VOL 0999-001X

LA English


LP Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) plans to install a transesterfication machinery in

Bhupalpalli and Kothagudem coal mines to encourage bio-diesel production. The company

plans to use bio-diesel in its coal transportation vehicles. The esterification process involves

separation of glycerine and bio- diesel from seeds of Pongamia Pinneta, Jatropha and

Simaruba plants. The company spends Rs200 crore on transportation fuel. SCCL plans to

raise five lakh plants every year and process 30,000 quintal of seeds. The company expects

to produce 10 lakh litres of bio-diesel and reduce fuel cost by about 50 percent.

RF ABSTRACT|DAILY

CO sngcol : The Singareni Collieries Company Limited

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural Gas | imet : Metals/Mining | i1 : Energy | i111

: Coal Mining


Types




Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Startups-and-closures



AN Document WIBI000020060221e22h0000d


SE Commodities

HD Biofuel market catches global attention

BY Nidhi Nath Srinivas

WC 285 words

PD 17 February 2006

SN The Economic Times

SC ECTIM

LA English

CY (c) 2006 The Times of India Group. All rights reserved.

LP NEW DELHI: Global majors may soon make a beeline for India's nascent biofuel market.

Already Archer Daniels Midland Company, the US' largest biodiesel manufacturer, has taken

the lead by becoming the first MNC to set up a $2-million state-of-the-art plant here. The plant

can be rapidly scaled up as per local demand.

As one of the world's largest agricultural processors of soyabeans, corn, wheat and cocoa,

ADM has also tied up with brands such as Amul, Rasna, Nestle, Britannia, Perfetti, Amway

and Fun Foods for supplying sweetners, flour, cocoa and vitamins. Another facility has been

set up to introduce a unique cattle diet supplement that promises more milk per animal and

will be marketed by large companies like RCF and Punjab Markfed.

TD The investments, funnelled through ADM's joint venture in India - Tinna Oils and Chemicals -

are part of the $36-billion company's strategy to become one of the top players in India's farm

and food ingredients sector.

Meanwhile, Tinna's 50-tpd biodiesel plant, based in Latur, will be ready for production by

August. "We have tied up with farmers, state government bodies and agricultural universities

that are growing jatropha and pongamia in Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, North Karnataka, Tamil

Nadu, Gujarat and Uttranchal. The plant uses the best continuous process technology

available, which ADM is also using in Germany,'' said senior company officials.


Though the plant is on a pilot scale, the company is hopeful of escalating biodiesel demand in

the medium-term. "We require 150 t seeds daily because the seeds have only 30% oil. As

cultivation increases, it would be possible to increase capacity,'' they added.

CO arch : Archer Daniels Midland Company

IN i41 : Food/Beverages/Tobacco | ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy | ialtful : Alternative Fuels





AN Document ECTIM00020060216e22h0002m


SE Sektor: 5

HD 52006DC0034 - Mitteilung der Kommission - Eine EU-Strategie für Biokraftstoffe {SEK(2006)

142}

WC 11,879 words

PD 8 February 2006

SN Eur-Lex

SC CELEXG

LA German

CY EUR-Lex (c) European Communities 2006.

LP [pic] | KOMMISSION DER EUROPÄISCHEN GEMEINSCHAFTEN |

Brüssel, den 8.2.2006

TD KOM(2006) 34 endgültig

MITTEILUNG DER KOMMISSION

Eine EU-Strategie für Biokraftstoffe{SEK(2006) 142}

INHALT

1. EINLEITUNG 3

2. DAS BIOKRAFTSTOFFPOTENZIAL AUSSCHÖPFEN - EIN STRATEGISCHES KONZEPT

4

2.1. Biokraftstoffe der ersten Generation 5

2.2. Die Biokraftstoffe der zweiten und der folgenden Generationen 5

2.3. Biokraftstoffe in Entwicklungsländern 6


3. DIE BIOKRAFTSTOFF-STRATEGIE - SIEBEN POLITISCHE SCHWERPUNKTE 7

3.1. Förderung der Nachfrage nach Biokraftstoffen 7

3.2. Nutzung der Umweltvorteile 9

3.3. Entwicklung von Erzeugung und Vertrieb von Biokraftstoffen 10

3.4. Expansion der Rohstoffproduktion 11

3.5. Mehr Möglichkeiten für den Handel 13

3.6. Unterstützung von Entwicklungsländern 14

3.7. Förderung von Forschung und Entwicklung 16

Anhang 1: Biofuels Glossary 18

Anhang 2: Biofuels progress at national level 19

Anhang 3: Policies promoting biofuels in non-EU countries 20

Anhang 4: Biofuels market situation 22

Anhang 5: Trade in biofuels 25

1. EINLEITUNG

Der Verkehr verursacht in der EU schätzungsweise 21 % aller Treibhausgasemissionen, die

zur globalen Erwärmung beitragen, und die Tendenz ist steigend. Um die

Nachhaltigkeitsziele, und besonders die im Kyoto-Protokoll vereinbarte Verringerung der

Treibhausgasemissionen zu erreichen, müssen daher Wege gefunden werden, wie sich die

verkehrsinduzierten Emissionen verringern lassen.

Es gibt aber noch andere Herausforderungen. Fast der gesamte Energiebedarf für den

Verkehrssektor in der EU wird durch Öl gedeckt. Die Menge der bekannten Ölvorkommen ist

jedoch endlich und diese Vorkommen sind auf einige wenige Weltregionen begrenzt. Zwar

gibt es noch unerschlossene Ölvorkommen, deren Erschließung wird sich aber in den meisten

Fällen schwierig gestalten. Um die Energieversorgung für die Zukunft sicherzustellen, reicht

es daher nicht, die Importabhängigkeit zu verringern, sondern es bedarf einer breiten Palette


politischer Initiativen, einschließlich der Diversifizierung der Quellen und Technologien[1].

In der EU sind bereits einige Maßnahmen getroffen worden. Die Automobilhersteller

entwickeln neue, sauberere und kraftstoffeffizientere Modelle sowie neue Konzepte. Auch

werden Anstrengungen unternommen, öffentliche Verkehrsmittel zu verbessern und darauf

hinzuwirken, dass - wann immer möglich - umweltfreundliche Verkehrsträger benutzt

werden[2]. Allerdings sind weitere Anstrengungen erforderlich, um die für den Verkehr

verbrauchten Energiemengen zu reduzieren.

Die Entwicklungsländer werden im Verkehrsbereich mit ähnlichen, ja sogar noch größeren

Herausforderungen konfrontiert, denn die steigenden Ölpreise verschlechtern ihre

Zahlungsbilanz, die Abhängigkeit von importierten fossilen Kraftstoffen macht sie verwundbar,

und auch sie müssen die Herausforderung bewältigen, ihre Treibhausgasemissionen zu

verringern.

Auf dem inoffiziellen Gipfel von Hampton Court im Oktober 2005 wurde die Kommission

aufgefordert, Vorschläge für die Aufstellung einer neubelebten europäischen Energiepolitik

vorzulegen. Auch haben die Staats- und Regierungschefs bekräftigt, dass die Energiepolitik

bei der Bewältigung der Herausforderungen, denen sich die EU aufgrund der Globalisierung

stellen muss, eine zentrale Rolle spielt. Ein wichtiger Aspekt eines solchen Konzepts wären

die Mittel und Wege, wie Europa sich von seinen übermäßigen Abhängigkeit von Erdöl- und -

gaseinfuhren lösen und einen kohärenten Ansatz verfolgen kann, dem eine zuverlässige

Folgenabschätzung für die Bereiche Wirtschaft, Umwelt und Soziales zugrunde liegt, und wie

es diese Abhängigkeit schrittweise verringern kann.

Diese Mitteilung befasst sich mit der Rolle, die Biokraftstoffe in diesem Zusammenhang

übernehmen könnten. Die aus Biomasse, einer erneuerbaren Ressource, hergestellten

Biokraftstoffe können im Verkehrsbereich unmittelbar an die Stelle fossiler Kraftstoffe treten

und einfach in die Kraftstoffversorgungssysteme einbezogen werden. Biokraftstoffe und

andere Alternativen (siehe Punkt 2.1) können herkömmliche Kraftstoffe im Verkehr ersetzen

und so den Weg für weitere fortschrittliche Entwicklungen, wie Wasserstoff, ebnen.

Obwohl die Kosten der meisten Biokraftstoffe noch immer über denen fossiler Kraftstoffe

liegen, steigt ihr Verbrauch weltweit. Die durch die Politik geförderte weltweite

Biokraftstofferzeugung wird derzeit auf über 35 Mrd. Liter geschätzt.

Die EU fördert Biokraftstoffe, um die Treibhausgasemissionen zu verringern, den

verkehrsinduzierten CO2-Ausstoß zu senken, die Kraftstoffquellen zu diversifizieren und auf

lange Sicht einen Ersatz für Erdöl zu entwickeln. Die Erweiterung der Biokraftstofferzeugung

wird voraussichtlich neue Möglichkeiten zur Einkommensdiversifizierung und neue


Arbeitsplätze in ländlichen Gebieten schaffen.

Bei der bis Ende 2006 vorgesehenen Überarbeitung der Richtlinie über Biokraftstoffe[3] wird

die Kommission darauf achten, die Frage der Kostenwirksamkeit zu berücksichtigen, die

Zielvorgaben für die Zeit nach 2010 aufzustellen und die Umweltwirkung von Biokraftstoffen

vollständig zu ermitteln und zu beobachten.

Für eine Reihe von Entwicklungsländern könnte die Biokraftstofferzeugung aus geeigneten

Rohstoffen zusätzliche wirtschaftliche und ökologische Vorteile bringen, Arbeitsplätze

schaffen, die Energieimportkosten senken und potenzielle Exportmärkte eröffnen. Besonders

die Erzeugung von Bioethanol könnte Zucker erzeugenden Ländern, die von der Reform der

EU-Zuckerregelung betroffen sind, eine machbare Alternative bieten.

Die Mitteilung ergänzt den Biomasse-Aktionsplan[4]; ihr liegt eine Folgenabschätzung bei, in

der die verschiedenen Politikoptionen beschrieben sind. Aufgrund dieser Folgenabschätzung

empfiehlt die Kommission in ihrer Mitteilung einen regulierten, marktgestützten Ansatz, der

der Option 2 der Folgenabschätzung entspricht, den heutigen Wissenstand widerspiegelt und

bei dem versucht wird, den Weg für künftige Entwicklungen frei zu machen. Diese Option

stellt namentlich einen ausgewogenen Ansatz bei Handelsverhandlungen über Biokraftstoffe,

die Nutzung der vorhandenen Instrumente der Agrarpolitik, der Politik zur Entwicklung des

ländlichen Raums und der Kohäsionspolitik und die Entwicklung eines kohärenten

Unterstützungspakets für Entwicklungsländer in den Vordergrund. Während sich der EU beim

derzeitigen Stand der Technik keine kostengünstigen Lösungen anbieten, dürften die Vorteile,

die sich aus der Förderung der Biokraftstoffentwicklung ergeben, die Kosten aufwiegen. In

diesem Zusammenhang könnte die Entwicklung der Biokraftstoffe der zweiten Generation, bei

der Forschung und Entwicklung eine große Rolle spielen, einen weiteren Beitrag zur

Kosteneffizienz leisten. Angesichts der Komplexität, des Querschnittcharakters und der

Dynamik der Problemstellungen wird ein strategisches Konzept verfolgt, dessen

Auswirkungen sorgfältig beobachtet werden. Je nach der Entwicklung des Biokraftstoffmarkts

werden die erforderlichen Änderungen erörtert und in die Strategie eingebracht werden.

2. DAS BIOKRAFTSTOFFPOTENZIAL AUSSCHÖPFEN - EIN STRATEGISCHES KONZEPT

Die Kommission hat bereits in ihrem jüngst verabschiedeten Aktionsplan für Biomasse

mehrere Maßnahmen beschrieben, mit denen die Nutzung aller Arten von Biomasse zur

Erzeugung von Energie aus erneuerbaren Quellen gefördert werden soll. Mit der hier

beschriebenen EU-Strategie für Biokraftstoffe werden die folgenden drei Ziele verfolgt:

- Biokraftstoffe sollen in der EU und in Entwicklungsländern stärker gefördert werden, es soll -

unter Berücksichtigung des Aspekts der Wettbewerbsfähigkeit - darauf geachtet werden, dass


ihre Erzeugung und Verwendung insgesamt umweltfreundlich ist und dass sie zu den Zielen

der Lissabon-Strategie beitragen;

- der Biokraftstoffnutzung auf breiter Basis soll der Weg bereitet werden, indem durch den

optimierten Anbau der geeigneten Rohstoffe, die Erforschung der Biokraftstoffe der zweiten

Generation, die Förderung der Marktdurchdringung durch größere Demonstrationsprojekte

und die Abschaffung von nichttechnischen Hindernissen die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit gesteigert

wird;

- es soll untersucht werden, welche Möglichkeiten in den Entwicklungsländern und besonders

den von der Reform der EU-Zuckerregelung betroffenen Ländern bestehen, um Rohstoffe für

Biokraftstoffe zu erzeugen, und es soll festgelegt werden, welche Rolle die EU bei der

Förderung der nachhaltigen Biokraftstofferzeugung spielen könnte.

2.1. Biokraftstoffe der ersten Generation

Heutzutage können die Biokraftstoffe der ersten Generation in den meisten Fahrzeugen zu

einem geringen Prozentanteil den konventionellen Kraftstoffen beigemischt und über die

bestehende Infrastruktur vertrieben werden. Einige Dieselfahrzeuge können mit reinem

Biodiesel (B100) betrieben werden, und weltweit sind in vielen Ländern bereits so genannte

Flex-Fuel-Fahrzeuge auf dem Markt. Der einfachste Weg für den Verkehrssektor, unmittelbar

zur Verwirklichung der Kyoto-Ziele beizutragen, besteht darin, einen Anteil des Diesel- oder

Ottokraftstoffs durch Biokraftstoffe zu ersetzen; zudem würde dann der gesamte

Fahrzeugbestand einen Beitrag leisten. Die Entwicklung eines Ersatzes für Dieselkraftstoff ist

für Europa besonders wichtig, da die EU derzeit Nettoimporteur von Dieselkraftstoff ist,

während sie Ottokraftstoff exportiert.

Doch auch mit modernster Technik können die in der EU erzeugten Biokraftstoffe aufgrund

ihrer hohen Kosten kaum mit fossilen Kraftstoffen konkurrieren. Beim derzeitigen Stand der

Technik ist in der EU erzeugter Biodiesel bei einem Erdölpreis von etwa 60 EUR pro Barrel,

Bioethanol hingegen erst bei einem Ölpreis von etwa 90 EUR pro Barrel wettbewerbsfähig.

Biokraftstoffe können als alternative Kraftstoffe im Verkehrssektor genutzt werden wie andere

Alternativen - Flüssigerdgas (LNG), komprimiertes Erdgas (CNG), Flüssiggas (LPG) und

Wasserstoff - auch. Die Förderung der Verwendung der derzeit verfügbaren Biokraftstoffe

kann als notwendiger Zwischenschritt gesehen werden, um Treibhausgasemissionen zu

reduzieren, die Energiequellen des Verkehrssektors zu diversifizieren und die EU-Wirtschaft

auf Alternativen im Verkehrssektor vorzubereiten, auch wenn diese derzeit noch nicht

ausgereift sind. Indem sich die EU aktiv dem weltweiten Trend zu Biokraftstoffen anschließt

und sicherstellt, dass diese nachhaltig erzeugt werden, kann sie ihre Erfahrung und ihr


Wissen ausschöpfen und exportieren und gleichzeitig Forschungsarbeiten einleiten, um dafür

zu sorgen, dass wir bei den technischen Entwicklungen auch künftig an der Spitze stehen.

Eine klare EU-Strategie wird außerdem zur Senkung der Produktionskosten beitragen.

Die Biokraftstoffstrategie kann nur zum Erfolg führen, wenn die Rohstoffversorgung gesichert

ist. Deswegen müssen einige Bestimmungen der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik überprüft und

erforderlichenfalls geändert werden. Der erwartete Anstieg des Welthandels mit

Biokraftstoffen wird ebenfalls dazu beitragen, die Versorgung der EU und anderer Weltteile zu

sichern.

Die Errichtung von Anlagen zur Erzeugung alternativer Kraftstoffe, die Einführung neuer

Motortypen und die Anpassung des Tankstellennetzes benötigen langfristige Investitionen, die

stabile Nachfrageprognosen voraussetzen. Das bedeutet, dass die angebotsseitigen

Maßnahmen durch ein wirksames marktgestütztes System von Anreizen ergänzt werden

müssen. Mittelfristig werden zusätzliche Investitionen erforderlich werden, um neue

Technologien und Rohstoffe einsatzfähig zu machen. Forstwirtschaftliche Erzeugnisse und

Abfallstoffe werden zunehmend wichtig werden, wenn es gelingt, die Verfahren der zweiten

Generation wirksam am Markt abzusetzen.

Um das Beste aus den derzeitigen und künftigen Chancen zu machen, will die Kommission

dem Markt für Biokraftstoffe der ersten Generation, der durch neue Technologien ergänzt

wird, sobald diese marktfähig sind, Impulse geben.

2.2. Die Biokraftstoffe der zweiten und der folgenden Generationen

Eine der vielversprechendsten Biokraftstofftechnologien der zweiten Generation - die

Lignozellulose-Verarbeitung - ist bereits weit fortgeschritten. In der EU wurden drei

Pilotanlagen errichtet (in Schweden, Spanien und Dänemark). Andere Technologien zur

Umwandlung von Biomasse in flüssige Biokraftstoffe (Biomass to Liquid - BtL) umfassen die

Fischer-Tropsch-Synthese von Biodiesel und Bio-DME (Bio-Dimethylether).

Demonstrationsanlagen werden in Deutschland und Schweden betrieben.

Synthetisches Erdgas (SNG) kann aus fossilen und aus erneuerbaren Ressourcen erzeugt

werden. Erneuerbares SNG weist wesentliche Vorteile aufgrund des geringeren CO2-

Ausstoßes auf und könnte einen entscheidenden Schritt bei der Entwicklung anderer

gasförmiger Kraftstoffe darstellen.

Die hochrangige Expertengruppe CARS 21[5] ist zu der Erkenntnis gelangt, dass

Biokraftstoffe der zweiten Generation besonders vielversprechend sind, und hat empfohlen,

beträchtliche Mittel für ihre Entwicklung bereitzustellen. Die Gruppe kam außerdem zu dem


Schluss, dass künftige Strategien den unterschiedlichen Klimaschutzvorteilen der

verschiedenen Technologien und Produktionsverfahren im Bereich der Biokraftstoffe

Rechnung tragen und diese widerspiegeln sollten.

Als Vorleistung für einen breiten Einsatz kostengünstiger Biokraftstoffe ist weitere

Forschungs- und Entwicklungsarbeit erforderlich, damit die neuen Technologien erfolgreich

eingesetzt werden können. Die europäische Biokraftstoff-Plattform und andere

Technologieplattformen können hierzu maßgeblich beitragen. Auch sollte die Entwicklung von

speziellen Rohstoffen weiterhin vorangetrieben werden, um die Palette der für die

Biokraftstofferzeugung geeigneten Rohstoffe zu erweitern.

Um die besten Verfahren zu fördern und langfristige private Investitionen zu erleichtern, ist

eine Partnerschaft nötig, an der alle Beteiligten mitwirken. Hier könnte die Europäische

Investitionsbank die Entwicklung und Expansion von rentablen Projekten und Technologien

unterstützen.

Die Entwicklungen werden auf EU-Ebene verfolgt werden, um zur richtigen Zeit Hilfestellung

für den Ausbau von Demonstrationsprojekten zu kommerziellen Unternehmungen zu leisten.

Gleichzeitig muss garantiert sein, dass die neuen Verfahren wirklich umweltfreundlich sind,

und nichttechnische Hindernisse für ihre Anwendung müssen beseitigt werden.

Moderne Biokraftstofftechnik könnte auch eine Stufe auf dem Weg zu erneuerbar erzeugtem

Wasserstoff sein, der die Aussicht auf einen praktisch emissionsfreien Verkehr öffnet.

Wasserstoff-/Brennstoffzellen benötigen jedoch eine neue Motortechnik sowie hohe

Investitionen in Wasserstoff erzeugende Anlagen und ein neues Vertriebssystem. In diesem

Zusammenhang muss die Nachhaltigkeit von Wasserstoff eingehend geprüft werden. Jegliche

Umorientierung auf wasserstoffgestützten Verkehr setzt einen grundlegenden Beschluss im

Rahmen einer breit angelegten, langfristigen Strategie voraus.

2.3. Biokraftstoffe in Entwicklungsländern

Die Biomasseproduktivität ist unter Tropenbedingungen am höchsten, und die

Produktionskosten von Biokraftstoffen und besonders von Ethanol sind in vielen

Entwicklungsländern vergleichsweise niedrig. In Brasilien, dem weltweit größten

Bioethanolerzeuger, kann aus Zuckerrohr hergestelltes Bioethanol derzeit mit fossilen

Kraftstoffen konkurrieren. Zudem wird für die Erzeugung von Ethanol aus Zuckerrohr sehr viel

weniger fossile Energie verbraucht als bei der Ethanolproduktion in Europa, weswegen auch

die Emissionen entsprechend stärker reduziert werden. Bei Biodiesel ist die EU derzeit der

größte Erzeuger; einen signifikanten Handel gibt es nicht. Entwicklungsländer wie Malaysia,

Indonesien und die Philippinen, die derzeit Biodiesel für ihren Inlandsmarkt produzieren,


könnten aber durchaus ein Exportpotenzial entwickeln.

Generell könnte die Biokraftstoffproduktion die Gelegenheit bieten, die landwirtschaftliche

Tätigkeit zu diversifizieren, sie könnte die Abhängigkeit von fossilen Kraftstoffen (vor allem

Erdöl) verringern und nachhaltig zum Wirtschaftswachstum beitragen. Es muss jedoch

bedacht werden, dass dies nicht für alle Entwicklungsländer gilt, und dass Vorbehalte in

Bezug auf Umwelt, Wirtschaft und Soziales bestehen.

Je nach Art der erzeugten Rohstoffe und abhängig von einer Reihe wirtschaftlicher Faktoren

sind die Aussichten für die Biokraftstofferzeugung und -verwendung in Entwicklungsländern

sehr unterschiedlich. Die Entwicklung von Biokraftstoffen in der EU wird vor allem vom Ölpreis

am Weltmarkt maßgeblich beeinflusst. Folgende Faktoren sind jedoch auch wichtig: i) der

potenzielle Produktionsumfang, ii) die Größe des nationalen oder regionalen Markts, (iii) die

notwendigen Infrastrukturinvestitionen, iv) die Förderung durch die Politik, v) die

Exportmöglichkeiten (EU, USA, Japan, China) und vi) der Marktpreis der für die

Biokraftstoffproduktion benötigten Rohstoffe.

In Ländern, in denen die Rohstofferzeugung voraussichtlich deutlich zunehmen wird, wird

befürchtet, dass umweltsensible Gebiete, wie Regenwälder, zunehmend unter Druck geraten.

Es gibt auch Befürchtungen betreffend die Beeinträchtigung der Bodenfruchtbarkeit, die

Verfügbarkeit und die Qualität von Wasser, den Einsatz von Schädlingsbekämpfungsmitteln

usw. Zu den Vorbehalten hinsichtlich der sozialen Folgen gehören die mögliche Auflösung

von Gemeinschaften und die Konkurrenz zwischen der Erzeugung von Biokraftstoffen und

von Nahrungsmitteln. Diesen Befürchtungen ist einzeln nachzugehen, und die jeweiligen

Wirkungen müssen quantifiziert und erforderlichenfalls durch eindeutige Gesetzesrahmen

verhindert werden. Die Entwicklungspolitik der EU wird darauf ausgerichtet werden,

geeigneten Entwicklungsländern zu helfen, die Vorteile der Biokraftstoffe zu nutzen, und

gleichzeitig angemessen auf diese Bedenken einzugehen.

3. DIE BIOKRAFTSTOFF-STRATEGIE - SIEBEN POLITISCHE SCHWERPUNKTE

In diesem Kapitel sind die sieben politischen Schwerpunkte beschrieben, unter denen die

Maßnahmen zusammengefasst werden, die die Kommission zur Förderung der Erzeugung

und Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen treffen wird.

3.1. Förderung der Nachfrage nach Biokraftstoffen

Die Kommission wird

- 2006 über die etwaige Überarbeitung der Biokraftstoff-Richtlinie berichten. Dieser Bericht


befasst sich unter anderem mit Themen wie Festlegung einzelstaatlicher Ziele für den

Marktanteil von Biokraftstoffen, Auferlegung von Biokraftstoffverpflichtungen und

Sicherstellung einer nachhaltigen Produktion;

- die Mitgliedstaaten dazu anhalten, im Rahmen der Biokraftstoffverpflichtungen die

Biokraftstoffe der zweiten Generation besonders zu fördern,

- den Rat und das Europäische Parlament auffordern, den Legislativvorschlag in Bezug auf

die Beschaffung umweltfreundlicherer und energieeffizienterer Fahrzeuge - einschließlich von

Fahrzeugen, deren Kraftstoff ein hoher Anteil Biokraftstoff beigemischt ist, - im öffentlichen

Auftragswesen rasch zu genehmigen.

2001 nahm die Kommission eine Mitteilung zusammen mit Legislativvorschlägen über

alternative Kraftstoffe für den Straßenverkehr an, in der die drei Kraftstoffarten mit dem

größten Entwicklungspotenzial (Biokraftstoffe, Erdgas und Wasserstoff) ausgewiesen

waren[6]. Diese Legislativvorschläge wurden in geänderter Form im Jahr 2003 angenommen.

Die Biokraftstoffrichtlinie [7] legt als Bezugswerte Marktanteile der Biokraftstoffe von 2 % im

Jahr 2005 und von 5,75 % im Jahr 2010 als Ziel fest. Viele Mitgliedstaaten setzen die

Richtlinie mittels Kraftstoffsteuerbefreiungen um, was durch die Richtlinie zur

Energiebesteuerung [8] erleichtert wird. Eine Reihe von Mitgliedstaaten hat jüngst

Verpflichtungen bezüglich der Biokraftstoffnutzung eingeführt, nach denen die

Mineralölunternehmen den Kraftstoffen, die sie auf dem Markt anbieten, einen bestimmten

Prozentsatz an Biokraftstoffen zusetzen müssen.

Der für 2005 vorgegebene Biokraftstoffanteil von 2 % wurde nicht erreicht. Aufgrund der

Zielsetzungen der Mitgliedstaaten hätte der Biokraftstoffanteil im günstigsten Fall lediglich 1,4

% erreichen können. Die Kommission hat in sieben Fällen, in denen die Mitgliedstaaten ohne

triftigen Grund zu niedrige Ziele festgelegt hatten, Verstoßverfahren eingeleitet.

Die Kommission wird 2006 einen Bericht über die Umsetzung der Biokraftstoffrichtlinie

vorlegen, in dem sie sich mit deren etwaiger Überarbeitung befasst. In diesem Bericht werden

unter anderem die folgenden Punkte behandelt:

- nationale Ziele für den Marktanteil von Biokraftstoffen,

- Einführung von Verpflichtungen bezüglich der Biokraftstoffverwendung,

- Vorschrift, nach der nur Biokraftstoffe, deren Erzeugung in der EU oder Drittländern den

Mindestnachhaltigkeitsnormen entspricht, auf die Ziele angerechnet werden.


Ein Zertifizierungssystem müsste diskriminierungsfrei auf in der EU erzeugte Biokraftstoffe

sowie Einfuhren angewandt werden und den WTO-Bestimmungen entsprechen.

Die Verpflichtungen bezüglich der Biokraftstoffverwendung bieten sich als vielversprechender

Weg an, Schwierigkeiten zu beheben, die sich durch Steuerbefreiungen ergeben. Sie würden

außerdem eine Vorzugsbehandlung derjenigen Biokraftstoffe erleichtern, mit denen sich eine

besonders hohe Treibhausgasreduzierung erreichen lässt, was die Kommission unterstützen

möchte.

Aufgrund der Richtlinie zur Energiebesteuerung können die Mitgliedstaaten unter bestimmten

Bedingungen für Biokraftstoffe Steuererleichterungen oder -befreiungen gewähren. Diese

Steuernachlässe gelten als staatliche Beihilfen, die nur mit vorheriger Zustimmung der

Kommission gewährt werden dürfen. Die Überprüfung durch die Kommission soll

unzumutbare Wettbewerbsverfälschungen verhindern; ihr liegt der Gemeinschaftsrahmen für

staatliche Umweltschutzbeihilfen[9] zugrunde. Dieser Gemeinschaftsrahmen trägt den

Vorteilen Rechnung, die aus Biomasse erzeugte Energie gegenüber aus fossilen Kraftstoffen

gewonnener Energie aufweist.

Die Überprüfung soll zudem sicherstellen, dass nicht überkompensiert wird, wie dies auch in

der Richtlinie zur Energiebesteuerung verlangt wird. Da vor allem bei Bioethanol die

Produktionskosten sehr unterschiedlich sind, untersucht die Kommission, inwieweit es

möglich ist, Regelungen so zu verfeinern, dass sie diesen Differenzen Rechnung tragen, ohne

gegen internationale Handelsbestimmungen zu verstoßen.

Inwieweit Verpflichtungen zur Lieferung von Biokraftstoffen (in ihren unterschiedlichen

Formen) mit Steueranreizen vereinbar sind, ist eingehend zu prüfen. Durch die

Verpflichtungen dürfte die Notwendigkeit einer steuerlichen Förderung entfallen und sich die

Möglichkeit eröffnen, im Einklang mit dem Verursacherprinzip und dem Aktionsplan der

Kommission im Bereich der staatlichen Beihilfen, der auf weniger und dafür gezieltere

Beihilfen abzielt, die Höhe der staatlichen Beihilfen zu senken.

Außerdem sollte ein Rahmen von Anreizen geschaffen werden, die an die Umweltleistung

einzelner Kraftstoffe gekoppelt sind. Dadurch würden marktgestützte, nachfrageorientierte

Maßnahmen zugunsten von Biokraftstoffen unterstützt und gefördert. Die geeigneten

politischen Maßnahmen könnte u. a. Folgendes umfassen: Förderung von

Umweltkontrollsystemen für Fahrzeugbesitzer, Kennzeichnung nach ökologischen

Gesichtspunkten, Preisdifferenzierung durch Emission- und Produktabgaben, Förderung der

Umweltqualität durch Unterrichtung und Information der Verbraucher und der Erzeuger,

handelbare Emissionslizenzen, Sicherheiten für die Einhaltung der Umweltvorschriften, Mittel


und Umweltrisikoprüfung bei Bankverfahren.

Ein besonders fruchtbares Feld für eine höhere Biokraftstoffverwendung bieten

Fahrzeugflotten in öffentlicher oder privater Hand sowie landwirtschaftliche und

Schwerlastfahrzeuge, bei denen Steuerbefreiungen oder -erleichterungen äußerst erfolgreich

dazu geführt haben, die Verwendung von Kraftstoffen mit einem hohen Biokraftstoffanteil zu

fördern. Für landwirtschaftliche Betriebe gibt es nun kleinere Verarbeitungsmaschinen und

Ölmühlen, mit denen Biodiesel kostengünstig aus landwirtschaftlichen Abfällen und Ölsaaten

hergestellt werden kann. Städtische und privat betriebene Busflotten erhalten in der Regel

spezielle Kraftstofflieferungen, so dass sie recht einfach auf Biokraftstoffe umsteigen können.

Ein weiteres Gebiet, in dem die Nachfrage nach Biokraftstoffen stimuliert werden könnte, sind

Fischereiflotten und -fahrzeuge, die einen potenziellen Markt für die Verwendung von

Biodiesel bilden.

Im öffentlichen Sektor will die Kommission weiterhin für die Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen in

diesen speziellen Bereichen werben. Sie hat einen Vorschlag für eine Richtlinie des

Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über die Förderung sauberer Straßenfahrzeuge[10],

einschließlich solcher, die mit herkömmlichen Kraftstoffen mit hohem Biokraftstoffanteil

betrieben werden, vorgelegt.

3.2. Nutzung der Umweltvorteile

Die Kommission wird

- prüfen, wie die Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen auf die Ziele für die Verringerung des CO2-

Ausstoßes von Fahrzeugflotten angerechnet werden kann;

- Maßnahmen untersuchen und gegebenenfalls vorschlagen, die dafür sorgen, dass

Biokraftstoffe eine optimale Klimaschutzwirkung erzielen;

- sich bemühen, dass die Rohstoffe für Biokraftstoffe in der EU und in Drittländern nachhaltig

angebaut werden;

- die Grenzwerte für den Gehalt an Ethanol, Ether und anderen sauerstofforganischen

Komponenten in Ottokraftstoff untersuchen; Grenzwerte für den Dampfdruck von

Ottokraftstoff und Höchstwerte für den Biodieselgehalt von Diesel festlegen.

Die Kommission prüft zurzeit, in welchem Umfang die Biokraftstoffverwendung auf die

Zielvorgaben für die CO2-Emissionen von Fahrzeugparks angerechnet werden kann; dabei

stützt sie sich auf die Zusage der Automobilkonstrukteure, durch einen integrierten Ansatz die


Emissionswerte neuer Fahrzeuge zu senken. Auf der Grundlage des Berichts der

Arbeitsgruppe CARS21[11] prüft die Kommission die einzelnen Optionen für diesen Ansatz.

Um die potenziellen Vorteile für die Umwelt auszuschöpfen, muss sich eine

Biokraftstoffstrategie darauf konzentrieren, 1) die Treibhausgasemissionswerte gemessen an

den Aufwendungen zu optimieren, 2) Umweltschäden durch die Produktion von

Biokraftstoffen und den dafür erforderlichen Rohstoffen zu vermeiden, 3) zu gewährleisten,

dass die Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen nicht zusätzliche ökologische oder technische

Probleme aufwirft.

1. Die Vorteile, die die verschiedenen Biokraftstoffe und ihre Produktionsverfahren jeweils in

Bezug auf Treibhausgasemissionen bieten, bleiben derzeit bei den Anreizen für Biokraftstoffe

unberücksichtigt. Indem die Förderung der Biokraftstofferzeugung an geringere

Treibhausgasemissionen gebunden wird, könnte ein stärkerer Emissionsrückgang erzielt und

der Industrie ein deutliches Signal gegeben werden, wie wichtig es ist, die

Produktionsverfahren diesbezüglich zu verbessern. Außerdem würde dies den Kraft- und den

Rohstofferzeugern Marktsignale geben, die eine weitere Verringerung der

Kohlenstoffemissionen im Verkehrssektor bewirken könnten. Ein solches System kann nur

Wirkung zeitigen, wenn es ohne Diskriminierung sowohl auf in der EU erzeugte als auch auf

importierte Produkte angewendet wird und völlig mit den WTO-Regeln im Einklang steht.

Prüfenswert wäre auch ein multinationaler Ansatz, der an den Mechanismus für die

umweltverträgliche Entwicklung gekoppelt wäre, da dies gewährleisten würde, dass die

Handelspartner einbezogen sind. Die unter die Biokraftstoff-Richtlinie fallenden Anreize

werden im Laufe des Jahres 2006 überprüft werden.

2. Wichtig ist, dass für die Erzeugung der Rohstoffe für Biokraftstoffe angemessene

Mindestumweltnormen gelten, die an die lokalen Gegebenheiten in der EU und in Drittländern

angepasst werden. Wegen der potenziellen Beeinträchtigung der Artenvielfalt und Böden

wurden Bedenken namentlich hinsichtlich der Nutzung von stillgelegten Flächen und des

Anbaus von Biokraftstoffen in ökologisch sensiblen Gebieten laut. Damit diese befürchtete

Wirkung nicht eintritt, muss darauf geachtet werden, wo Energiepflanzen generell in den

Fruchtwechsel passen, und eine Beeinträchtigung der Biodiversität, die Verunreinigung der

Gewässer, eine Bodenverschlechterung sowie die Zerstörung von Lebensräumen und die

Störung von Arten in Gebieten mit hohem Naturwert verhindert werden. Die

Nachhaltigkeitskriterien für die EU-Produktion sollten sich jedoch nicht auf den Anbau von

Energiepflanzen beschränken, sondern nach Maßgabe der Cross-Compliance-Regelung, die

2003 mit der GAP-Reform eingeführt wurde, für alle landwirtschaftlichen Flächen gelten.

Diese Kriterien sollten zudem den Vorteilen des Anbaus von Energiepflanzen im Rahmen von

Fruchtfolgesystemen und in Randgebieten Rechnung tragen. Derartige Kriterien und Normen

müssen mit den WTO-Regeln im Einklang stehen und wirksam und unbürokratisch sein.


3. Je nach Art des Biokraftstoffs ergeben sich bei der Verwendung unterschiedliche

ökologische und technische Probleme. Die Richtlinie über die Qualität von Kraftstoffen [12]

enthält zum Schutz der Umwelt und der Gesundheit Spezifikationen für Otto- und

Dieselkraftstoffe, beispielsweise in Form von Grenzwerten für den Gehalt an Ethanol, Ether

und anderen sauerstoffhaltigen Komponenten in Ottokraftstoff. Daneben wird der Dampfdruck

von Kraftstoffen begrenzt. Die Norm EN590 enthält weitere Grenzwerte und schreibt vor, dass

Dieselkraftstoff nicht mehr als 5 Volumenprozent Biodiesel (4,6 % bezogen auf den

Energiegehalt) enthalten darf. Diese Grenzwerte stehen der breiteren Verwendung von

Biokraftstoffen im Wege.

Die Kommission hat für 2006 eine Überprüfung der Grenzwerte für Ethanol, Ether und

Biodiesel angekündigt.

3.3. Entwicklung von Erzeugung und Vertrieb von Biokraftstoffen

Die Kommission wird

- die Mitgliedstaaten und ihre Regionen dazu anhalten, bei der Aufstellung ihrer

einzelstaatlichen Rahmenpläne und operationellen Programme im Rahmen der

Kohäsionspolitik und der Politik zur Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums den Vorteilen von

Biokraftstoffen und anderen Formen von Bioenergie Rechnung zu tragen;

- vorschlagen, eine spezielle Ad-hoc-Arbeitsgruppe einzurichten, die prüft, welche

Möglichkeiten Biomasse, einschließlich Biokraftstoffe, im Rahmen der einzelstaatlichen

Programme für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums bietet;

- die betreffenden Branchen auffordern, die technischen Gründe für Verfahren zu erklären, die

Hemmnisse für die Einführung von Biokraftstoffen darstellen, und das Verhalten der

betreffenden Industrien beobachten, um sicherzustellen, dass es zu keiner Diskriminierung

von Biokraftstoffen kommt.

Viele Regionen, die aus dem Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung gefördert

werden, und besonders die mittel- und osteuropäischen Regionen, haben das Potenzial,

Biomasse zu nutzen, um das Wirtschaftswachstum und die Beschäftigung zu fördern.

Niedrige Arbeitskosten und hohe Ressourcenverfügbarkeit können diesen Regionen einen

komparativen Vorteil bei der Erzeugung von Rohstoffen für Biokraftstoffe verschaffen. Die

Förderung von erneuerbaren und alternativen Energiequellen wie Biomasse, einschließlich

Biokraftstoffe, ist daher ein wichtiges Ziel der Kohäsionspolitik [13]. Die Förderung kann

beispielsweise in Form einer Umschulung von Landwirten, der Bereitstellung von Anlagen für


Biomasseerzeuger und Investitionen in Produktionsanlagen für Biokraftstoffe gewährt werden.

Die Kommission ruft die Mitgliedstaaten und Regionen auf, bei der Erstellung ihrer

einzelstaatlichen strategischen Rahmenpläne und operationellen Programme zu

gewährleisten, dass die potenziellen Vorteile der Biokraftstoffe umfassend berücksichtigt

werden.

Investitionen auf oder nahe Bauernhöfen, beispielsweise bei der Biomasseverarbeitung,

können ebenfalls durch die Politik zur Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums unterstützt werden,

ebenso die Mobilisierung ungenutzter Biomasse durch Forstbesitzer. Die Kommission hat

gemeinschaftliche strategische Leitlinien für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums

vorgeschlagen, die den Akzent auf erneuerbare Energien einschließlich Biokraftstoffe legen.

Darüber hinaus schlägt sie vor, eine spezielle Ad-hoc-Arbeitsgruppe einzurichten, die die

Möglichkeiten prüft, die Biomasse und Biokraftstoffe im Rahmen der einzelstaatlichen

Programme für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums bieten.

Wie die Steuerbefreiungen für Kraftstoffe müssen selbstverständlich auch andere Formen

staatlicher Förderung für die Erzeugung und Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen den

Bestimmungen für staatliche Beihilfen genügen.

Die Kommission wird die betreffenden Branchen auffordern, die technischen Gründe für

Hemmnisse für die Einführung von Biokraftstoffen zu erläutern, und sie wird Stellungnahmen

anderer Beteiligter einholen. Sie wird das Verhalten der betreffenden Industrien beobachten,

um sicherzustellen, dass es zu keiner Diskriminierung von Biokraftstoffen kommt.

Bei der Folgenabschätzung von Politiken und Programmen zur Förderung der

Biokraftstofferzeugung und -verwendung trägt die Kommission den möglichen Auswirkungen

auf die herkömmlichen Märkte für Ethanol, Lebensmittel, forstwirtschaftliche Erzeugnisse und

Erdöl Rechnung.

3.4. Expansion der Rohstoffproduktion

Die Kommission wird

- die Erzeugung von Zucker zur Bioethanolproduktion sowohl der Regelung für den Anbau

von nachwachsenden Rohstoffen (Non-Food-Erzeugnisse) auf stillgelegten Flächen als auch

der Energiepflanzenprämie unterwerfen;

- prüfen, ob es sinnvoll ist, mehr Getreide aus bestehenden Interventionsbeständen zu

Biokraftstoffen zu verarbeiten, um die Getreideausfuhren, für die Ausfuhrerstattungen gezahlt


werden, zu verringern;

- bis Ende 2006 die Umsetzung der Regelung für Energiepflanzen prüfen;

- beobachten, wie sich die Nachfrage nach Biokraftstoffen auf die Preise von Produkten und

Nebenerzeugnissen und deren Verfügbarkeit für konkurrierende Branchen sowie in der EU

und in Entwicklungsländern auf die Versorgung mit und die Preise von Lebensmitteln

auswirkt;

- eine Kampagne finanzieren, mit der Land- und Forstwirte über die Merkmale von

Energiepflanzen und die Möglichkeiten, die ihr Anbau bietet, informiert werden;

- einen Forst-Aktionsplan vorlegen, in dem die Nutzung von forstwirtschaftlichen

Erzeugnissen zur Energiegewinnung eine große Rolle spielen wird;

- überprüfen, wie die Rechtsvorschriften über tierische Nebenprodukte so geändert werden

können, dass alternative Verfahren für die Erzeugung von Biokraftstoffen einfacher genehmigt

und zugelassen werden können;

- die vorgeschlagene Regelung zur Klärung der Vorschriften für die Weiterverwendung von

Abfallstoffen anwenden.

Die laufende GAP-Reform wurde 1992 eingeleitet; sie führte zu einer geringeren

Preisstützung und trug dazu bei, die EU-Agrarproduktion auf allen möglichen Absatzmärkten

wettbewerbsfähiger zu machen: Nahrungsmittel, Tierfutter und Non-Food-Zwecke,

einschließlich Biokraftstoffe. Für Getreide, das derzeit einer der wichtigsten Rohstoffe für die

Bioethanolerzeugung in der EU ist, ist dies besonders wichtig. Die Entkopplung der

Einkommensstützung von der Erzeugung, die 2003 im Rahmen der GAP-Reform eingeführt

wurde, wird die Versorgung mit Energiepflanzen weiter erleichtern. Namentlich können

Pflanzen, für die bislang nur im Rahmen des Anbaus nachwachsender Rohstoffe auf

stillgelegten Flächen (Non-Food-Regelung) Direktzahlungen gewährt wurden, nun ohne

Verlust der Einkommensstützung auf jeder Fläche angebaut werden.

Die Flächenstilllegungspflicht wurde 1992 als Reformmaßnahme eingeführt, um das

Gleichgewicht auf dem Getreidemarkt zu erhalten; sie wurde in die neue einheitliche

Betriebsprämienregelung übernommen. Auf stillgelegten Flächen darf normalerweise gar

nichts angebaut werden, eine Ausnahme bilden Non-Food-Pflanzen (einschließlich

Energiepflanzen), für die ein Vertrag oder der Landwirt die Gewähr dafür bieten, dass sie als

Biomasse verwendet werden.


Vor kurzem konnte eine politische Einigung über eine umfassende Reform der Gemeinsamen

Marktorganisation für Zucker erzielt werden. Für den Zuckerrübenanbau zur Erzeugung von

Bioethanol gelten auch künftig keine Quoten. Die Kommission wird ihren Vorschlag

wiederholen, auf den Anbau von Zuckerrüben zur Bioethanolproduktion sowohl die Regelung

für den Anbau von nachwachsenden Rohstoffen (Non-Food-Erzeugnisse) auf stillgelegten

Flächen als auch die Energiepflanzenprämie anzuwenden. Dadurch würden sich in der EU

neue Absatzmöglichkeiten für Zuckerrüben ergeben.

Im Rahmen ihrer Marktpolitik hat die Kommission die Möglichkeit genutzt, Alkohol aus der

Weindestillation aus Interventionsbeständen für Energiezwecke zu verkaufen. Dies kann aber

mit Sicherheit nicht als nachhaltige Quelle für die Erzeugung von Biokraftstoffen gelten. 2005

wurde erstmals speziell für die Erzeugung von Bioethanol eine Ausschreibung für Roggen aus

Interventionsbeständen eröffnet. Die Kommission wird prüfen, inwieweit es sinnvoll ist, mehr

Getreide aus bestehenden Interventionsbeständen zu Biokraftstoffen zu verarbeiten, um die

mithilfe von Ausfuhrerstattungen ausgeführte Menge Getreide zu verringern.

Außerdem wurde 2003 im Rahmen der GAP-Reform eine Sonderbeihilfe für Energiepflanzen

eingeführt. Es kann eine Prämie von 45 EUR je ha gewährt werden bei einer garantierten

Höchstfläche von 1,5 Mio. ha als Haushaltsobergrenze. Sollten die Anträge diese Obergrenze

überschreiten, so wird die Prämie proportional gekürzt. Die Kommission muss bis 31.

Dezember 2006 Bericht über die Energiepflanzenregelung erstatten und je nach

Verwirklichung der Zielvorgaben für Biokraftstoffe geeignete Vorschläge vorlegen.

Derzeit werden Biokraftstoffe fast ausschließlich aus Pflanzen hergestellt, die auch für die

Ernährung genutzt werden können. Es wurden Befürchtungen laut, dass die steigende

weltweite Nachfrage nach Biokraftstoffen die Gefahr mit sich bringt, dass in den

Entwicklungsländern weniger Lebensmittel zu erschwinglichen Preisen angeboten werden.

Außerdem stehen Biokraftstoffe mit anderen Branchen im Wettbewerb um die Rohstoffe.

Angesichts dieser möglichen Probleme wird die Kommission die Auswirkungen der Nachfrage

nach Biokraftstoffen eingehend beobachten.

Die Kommission beabsichtigt, eine Kampagne zu finanzieren, mit der Land- und Forstwirte

über die Merkmale von Energiepflanzen, die Mobilisierung des brachliegenden Potenzials für

aus forstwirtschaftlichen Erzeugnissen gewonnene Energie und die Möglichkeiten, die der

Anbau von Energiepflanzen bietet, informiert werden sollen.

Die Kommission arbeitet an einem Aktionsplan für die Forstwirtschaft , den sie im Laufe des

Jahres 2006 genehmigen will und in dem die Energienutzung von Forstmaterial eine wichtige

Rolle spielen wird. Dies wird vor allem für die Produktion von Biokraftstoffen der zweiten

Generation große Bedeutung haben.


Organische Abfälle aus der Papierindustrie, tierische Fette und Nebenprodukte, recyceltes

Speiseöl und viele andere Quellen werden viel zu wenig als Energieressourcen genutzt. Die

Kommission hat vor kurzem eine thematische Strategie für Abfallvermeidung und -

recycling[14] und einen Vorschlag für eine Richtlinie über Abfälle[15] vorgelegt. In letzterem

schlug die Kommission eine Regelung vor, mit der die Vorschriften für die Verwendung von

Abfällen als Sekundärstoffe, beispielsweise bei der Erzeugung von Biokraftstoffen, festgelegt

werden.

3.5. Mehr Möglichkeiten für den Handel

Die Kommission wird

- die Vor- und Nachteile sowie die rechtlichen Folgen eines Vorschlags für eigene

Nomenklaturcodes für Biokraftstoffe prüfen;

- Marktzugangsbedingungen für Bioethanoleinfuhren aufrecht erhalten, die so günstig sind

wie im Rahmen der derzeit geltenden Handelsabkommen, wobei sie namentlich AKP-Ländern

einen präferenziellen Marktzugang in derzeitigem Umfang gewähren und dem Problem der

Präferenzerosion Rechnung tragen wird;

- in den laufenden und künftigen Handelsverhandlungen mit Ethanol erzeugenden Ländern

und Regionen ein ausgewogenes Konzept verfolgen - im Zusammenhang mit der steigenden

Nachfrage nach Biokraftstoffen wird die EU die Interessen der heimischen Erzeuger und ihrer

Handelspartner beachten;

- Änderungen der Biodiesel-Norm vorschlagen, damit ein breiteres Spektrum von

Pflanzenölen für die Biodieselerzeugung genutzt werden und Ethanol Methanol bei der

Biodieselerzeugung ersetzen kann.

Da Biokraftstoffe zolltariflich nicht speziell eingereiht werden, lässt sich nicht genau beziffern,

in welchem Umfang Ethanol-, Ölsaaten- und Pflanzenölimporte letztendlich im Verkehrssektor

verwendet wurden. Die Kommission wird die Vor- und Nachteile und rechtlichen Folgen eines

Vorschlags für eigene Nomenklaturcodes für Biokraftstoffe[16] prüfen.

Derzeit kann Bioethanol des KN-Codes 2207 im Rahmen folgender Präferenzregelungen

zollfrei eingeführt werden:

- Initiative Alles außer Waffen zugunsten der am wenigsten entwickelten Länder,


- Cotonou-Abkommen mit Ländern Afrikas, der Karibik und des Pazifischen Raums (AKP-

Länder),

- neues, als Anreiz konzipiertes GSP-Plus-System (als Anreiz konzipierte Sonderregelung für

nachhaltige Entwicklung und verantwortungsvolles Regieren),

- einige bilaterale Präferenzabkommen, vor allem das Europa-Mittelmeer-Abkommen.

Zwei noch laufende Verhandlungsrunden werden zu einer weiteren Marktöffnung für

Bioethanol führen:

- auf multilateraler Ebene die Doha-Runde: Nach Abschluss der Verhandlungen über den

Zugang zu landwirtschaftlichen Märkten werden die Zollsätze für Bioethanol gesenkt.

Außerdem wird der Marktzugang für Bioethanol in den Verhandlungen in den Bereichen

Handel und Umwelt erörtert, während die Verhandlungen über den Marktzugang für

gewerbliche Waren für einige Biokraftstoffe ebenfalls wichtig sind;

- auf regionaler Ebene das Freihandelsabkommen zwischen der EU und Mercosur

(Argentinien, Brasilien, Paraguay und Uruguay).

Zucker und Bioethanol sind die wesentlichen offensiven Interessen Brasiliens und daher

wichtige Verhandlungsthemen.

Angesichts der steigenden Nachfrage nach Biokraftstoffen strebt die Kommission danach, die

Produktion in der EU in angemessener Weise zu entwickeln und die Importmöglichkeiten für

Biokraftstoffe und deren Rohstoffe sowie deren Wirtschaftlichkeit zu verbessern. Um den

Interessen der heimischen Erzeuger und der EU-Handelspartner gleichermaßen gerecht zu

werden, wird die Kommission in den laufenden bilateralen und multilateralen

Handelsverhandlungen mit Ethanol erzeugenden Ländern weiterhin einen ausgewogenen

Ansatz verfolgen. Was den bisherigen Handel anbelangt, so wird die Kommission für

Bioethanolimporte Marktzugangsbedingungen aufrechterhalten, die mindestens so günstig

sind, wie die in den derzeit geltenden Handelsabkommen vorgesehenen Bedingungen.

Was Biodiesel anbelangt, so könnte eine Änderung der Norm EN 14214 die Nutzung einer

breiteren Palette von Pflanzenölen erleichtern, soweit dies ohne wesentliche Beeinträchtigung

der Kraftstoffgüte und unter Beachtung der Nachhaltigkeitsbedingungen möglich ist.

3.6. Unterstützung von Entwicklungsländern

Die Kommission wird


- dafür sorgen, dass die Begleitmaßnahmen für Vertragsstaaten des AKP-Zuckerprotokolls,

die von der Reform der EU-Zuckermarktordnung betroffen sind, zur Entwicklung der

Bioethanolerzeugung dienen können;

- ein kohärentes Maßnahmenpaket zur Unterstützung von Biokraftstoffen erarbeiten, das in

Entwicklungsländern, die über das Potenzial zur Biokraftstofferzeugung verfügen, zur

Anwendung kommen kann;

- prüfen, wie die EU am besten zur Entwicklung ökologisch und ökonomisch nachhaltiger

nationaler Biokraftstoffplattformen und regionaler Aktionspläne für Biokraftstoffe beitragen

kann.

Die Maßnahmen der EU zur Förderung von erneuerbaren Energieträgern innerhalb der

Gemeinschaft gehen Hand in Hand mit ihrem Willen, die internationale Zusammenarbeit,

besonders mit den Entwicklungsländern, in diesem Bereich zu verstärken.

Der Vorschlag der Kommission über Begleitmaßnahmen für Vertragsstaaten des AKP-

Zuckerprotokolls, die von der Reform der EU-Zuckermarktordnung betroffen sind, ist eine

wichtige Initiative der Zusammenarbeit. Mit den Begleitmaßnahmen wird die Umstrukturierung

oder Diversifizierung der betroffenen Länder auf Basis der Strategien gefördert, die sie

verfolgen, um die Folgen der Reform zu bewältigen. Innerhalb dieses Rahmens könnte die EU

die Entwicklung des Ethanolsektors auf der Grundlage umfassender, länderspezifischer

Untersuchungen fördern.

Weitere Strukturen der Zusammenarbeit sind u. a. die Energieinitiative der Europäischen

Union und die Johannesburger Koalition für erneuerbare Energien (Johannesburg Renewable

Energy Coalition, JREC). Im Mittelpunkt der EU-Energieinitiative steht neben speziellen

Partnerschaften und Aktionen, die den Zugang zu Energiedienstleistungen gewährleisten und

die Armut mindern sollen, der politische Dialog. Erneuerbare Energieträger sind ein

Hauptthema der Initiative, mit der die EU-Energiefazilität (Mittelansatz: 220 Mio. EUR)

eingerichtet wurde. Diese wird 2006 einsatzfähig und soll als Katalysator für konkrete

Investitionen in Energiedienstleistungen für Menschen wirken, die unterhalb der

Armutsgrenze leben. Die JREC ist ein breites Gremium, in dem Regierungen gemeinsam an

der Stärkung erneuerbarer Energieträger arbeiten. Die Initiative für geduldiges Kapital der

JREC ergab sich aus der von den JREC-Mitgliedstaaten eingegangenen Verpflichtung,

Finanzierungslücken für im Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien tätige Firmenentwickler und

KMU, namentlich in Entwicklungsländern, aufzuspüren und zu überbrücken.

Um weitere Synergien zwischen den einzelnen Instrumenten zur Förderung von


Biokraftstoffen in den Entwicklungsländern zu schaffen, wird die Kommission ein kohärentes

Förderpaket für Biokraftstoffe zusammenstellen, mit dem das ganze Spektrum der derzeitigen

Maßnahmen dafür eingesetzt wird, in Ländern und Regionen, in denen Biokraftstoffe eine

echte Chance zur nachhaltigen Armutsminderung bieten, bestimmte Aspekte der Entwicklung

dieser Kraftstoffe zu unterstützen. Dabei wird die Kommission prüfen, welches der beste Weg

ist, um zu erreichen, dass vor allem KMU an der Biokraftstofferzeugung mitwirken. Denkbar

wäre auf die Beziehungen der KMU zu anderen Beteiligten der Produktionskette einzuwirken,

Informationen zu verbreiten und bewährte Verfahren auszutauschen, wobei besonders der

Süd-Süd-Austausch dabei zu fördern wäre, Partnerschaftsprojekte (Twinning) aufzustellen

und Geschäftsbeziehungen zwischen Unternehmen zu pflegen sowie Privatinvestitionen zu

erleichtern, indem z.B. die Europäische Investitionsbank einbezogen wird.

Die EU wird darauf achten, dass die vorgeschlagenen Maßnahmen zur Entwicklung von

Biokraftstoffen vollständig mit ihrer Entwicklungspolitik und den nationalen und sektoralen

Entwicklungsstrategien in Einklang stehen.

In vielen Entwicklungsländern müssen erst noch Maßnahmen und Strategien für Biokraftstoffe

erarbeitet werden, die das Potenzial des betreffenden Landes, die Aussichten auf nationalen,

regionalen und internationalen Märkten, technische Normen, die Infrastruktur und andere

wirtschaftliche, soziale und ökologische Aspekte berücksichtigen. Die Einrichtung nationaler

Biokraftstoff-Plattformen , in denen alle wichtigen Beteiligten aus der Privatwirtschaft und dem

öffentlichen Sektor vertreten sind, dürfte einen wesentlichen Schritt in diesem Prozess

darstellen. Auf regionaler Ebene verbessern Skalenerträge und technische Normen die

Aussichten für die Entwicklung von Biokraftstoffen. Diese kann auch durch regionale

Biokraftstoff-Aktionspläne regionaler Organisationen vorangebracht werden, die auf die

Entwicklung eines regionalen Marktes ausgerichtet sind. Die EU wird prüfen, wie sie in diesen

Bereichen die beste Hilfestellung geben kann. Außerdem wird sie durch Fallstudien und Hilfe

bei der Aufstellung eines wirksamen Rechtsrahmens dazu beitragen, die Risiken für die

Umwelt zu verringern.

3.7. Förderung von Forschung und Entwicklung

Die Kommission wird

- auch mit dem 7. Rahmenprogramm die Entwicklung von Biokraftstoffen unterstützen und die

Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Biokraftstoffindustrie stärken;

- Forschungsarbeiten im Hinblick auf das Bio-Raffinerie-Konzept zur optimalen Nutzung aller

Pflanzenteile und auf Biokraftstoffe der zweiten Generation Vorrang geben.


- auch weiterhin für die Einrichtung einer branchengeführten Biokraftstoff-

Technologieplattform" eintreten und andere einschlägige Technologieplattformen mobilisieren;

- diese Technologieplattformen bei ihrer Umsetzung der strategischen Forschungsagenden

unterstützen.

Durch Forschung und technologische Entwicklung auf dem Gebiet der Biokraftstoffe dürften

die Kosten bis 2010 um durchschnittlich 30 % zurückgehen. Von der Gemeinschaft finanzierte

Forschungsarbeiten haben bereits wesentlich zur Entwicklung und zum Wachstum der

Biokraftstoff-Industrie in der EU beigetragen. So zeigte das 1992 eingeleitete Eurobiodiesel-

Projekt, dass es technisch und wirtschaftlich möglich ist, Biodiesel zu erzeugen und zu

verwenden, ohne dass an Traktoren, Bussen oder Kfz wesentliche technische Probleme

auftreten. Die vor kurzem eingeleiteten integrierten Projekte RENEW und NILE sind wichtige

Maßnahmen zur Entwicklung der Biokraftstoffe der zweiten Generation und zielen auf eine

Produktion im Pilotmaßstab ab.

Ziel der branchengeführten europäischen Biokraftstoff-Technologieplattform ist es, eine

gemeinsame europäische Vorstellung und Strategie für die Erzeugung und Verwendung von

Biokraftstoffen, vor allem im Verkehrssektor, anzubieten und zu verwirklichen. In ihr sind die

im Bereich der Biokraftstoffe wichtigen europäischen Akteure, u. a. aus dem Land- und

Forstwirtschaftssektor, der Biokraftstoffindustrie, Mineralölgesellschaften und

Tankstellennetzen, Automobilherstellern und Forschungsinstituten vertreten. Andere

Technologieplattformen, wie Pflanzen für die Zukunft, Holzerzeugnisse und Nachhaltige

Chemie, werden ebenfalls die Wissensbasis für die Biokraftstofferzeugung erweitern.

Europaweite Aktionen auf dem Gebiet der Biomasse (ERA-NET) werden durch die

Koordinierung einzelner Programme und die gemeinsame Tätigkeiten auf nationaler und

regionaler Ebene die Kosteneffizienz der für FtE aufgewendeten Mittel weiter steigern.

Im Vorschlag für das 7. Forschungs-Rahmenprogramm (2007-2013) wird der Forschung auf

dem Gebiet der Biokraftstoffe Vorrang eingeräumt, um die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der

europäischen Biokraftstoff-Industrie weiter zu stärken. Die Forschungsarbeiten im Rahmen

des spezifischen Programms Zusammenarbeit werden sich hauptsächlich auf zwei Themen

konzentrieren: 1) Energie - Senkung der Kraftstoffkosten durch Verbesserung der

konventionellen Technologie und die Entwicklung der Biokraftstoffe der zweiten Generation

(z.B. Fischer-Tropsch-Biodiesel, Ethanol aus Lignozellulose, Biodimethylether) - und 2)

Nahrungsmittel, Landwirtschaft und Biotechnologie - Anwendung von Biowissenschaften und

Biotechnologie zur Verbesserung der Produktionssysteme im Bereich Biomasse. Bei beiden

Themen steht das Konzept der Bioraffinerien , das darauf abzielt, Biomasse vollständig zu

nutzen und die Kosteneffizienz der Endprodukte zu maximieren, im Mittelpunkt.


Weitere wichtige Tätigkeiten sind u. a. die Unterstützung der Markteinführung und die

Verbreitung bewährter Biokraftstoff-Technologien über das Programm Intelligente Energie für

Europa (Teil des Rahmenprogramms für Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Innovation), der Aufbau

von Kapazitäten für Expansion und Demonstration sowie internationale Zusammenarbeit mit

Industrie- und Entwicklungsländern, um die gegenseitige Bereicherung und den

Technologietransfer zu steigern.

ANNEX 1

Biofuels Glossary

Biofuel | Liquid or gaseous fuel for transport produced from biomass |

Biomass | Biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residues from agriculture (including

vegetal and animal substances), forestry and related industries, as well as the biodegradable

fraction of industrial and municipal waste |

Synthetic biofuels | Synthetic hydrocarbons or mixtures of synthetic hydrocarbons produced

from biomass, e.g. SynGas produced from gasification of forestry biomass or SynDiesel |

Liquid biofuels |

Bioethanol | Ethanol produced from biomass and/or the biodegradable fraction of waste, for

use as biofuel E5 contains 5% ethanol and 95% petrol E85 contains 85% ethanol and 15%

petrol |

Biodiesel | A methyl-ester produced from vegetable oil, animal oil or recycled fats and oils of

diesel quality, for use as biofuel (PME, RME, FAME) B5 is a blend of petroleum-based diesel

(95%) and biodiesel (5%) B30 is a blend of petroleum-based diesel (70%) and biodiesel

(30%) B100 is non-blended biodiesel |

Biomethanol | Methanol produced from biomass, for use as biofuel |

Bio-ETBE | Ethyl-Tertio-Butyl-Ether produced from bioethanol. ETBE is used as a fuel

additive to increase the octane rating and reduce knocking. The percentage volume of bio-

ETBE calculated as biofuel is 47%. |

Bio-MTBE | Methyl-Tertio-Butyl-Ether produced from biomethanol. MTBE is used as a fuel


MTBE calculated as biofuel is 36%. |


BtL | Biomass to liquid |

Pure vegetable oil | Oil produced from oil plants through pressing, extraction or comparable

procedures, crude or refined but chemically unmodified, which can be used as biofuel when

compatible with the type of engine involved and the corresponding emission requirements. |

Gaseous biofuels |

Bio-DME | Dimethylether produced from biomass, for use as biofuel |

Biogas | A fuel gas produced from biomass and/or the biodegradable fraction of waste, which

can be purified to natural gas quality for use as biofuel or woodgas. |

Biohydrogen | Hydrogen produced from biomass and/or the biodegradable fraction of waste

for use as biofuel. |

Other renewable fuels |

Renewable fuels other than biofuels which originate from renewable energy sources as

defined in Directive 2001/77/EC and are used for transport purposes |

ANNEX 2

Biofuels: progress at national level

Member State | Market share 2003 | National indicative target for 2005 | Targeted increase,

2003-2005 |

AT | 0.06% | 2.5% | +2.44% |

BE | 0 | 2% | +2% |

CY | 0 | 1% | +1% |

CZ | 1.12% | 3.7% (2006) | + 1.72% (assuming linear path) |

DK | 0 | 0% | +0% |

EE | 0 | not yet reported | not yet reported |


FI | 0.1% | 0.1% | +0% |

FR | 0.68 | 2% | +1.32% |

DE | 1.18% | 2% | +0.82% |

GR | 0 | 0.7% | +0.7% |

HU | 0 | 0.4-0.6% | +0.4-0.6% |

IE | 0 | 0.06% | +0.06% |

IT | 0.5% | 1% | +0,5% |

LA | 0.21% | 2% | +1.79% |

LI | 0 (assumed) | 2% | +2% |

LU | 0 (assumed) | not yet reported | not yet reported |

MT | 0 | 0.3% | +0.3% |

NL | 0.03% | 2% (2006) | +0% (promotional measures will come into force from January 2006)

|

PL | 0.49% | 0.5% | +0.01% |

PT | 0 | 2% | +2% |

SK | 0.14% | 2% | +1.86% |

SI | 0 (assumed) | not yet reported | not yet reported |

ES | 0.76% | 2% | +1.24% |

SV | 1.33% | 3% | +1.67% |

UK | 0.03% | 0.3% | +0.27% |


EU25 | 0.6% | 1.4% | +0.8% |

Sources:

2003 : national reports under the biofuels directive except Belgium (Eurostat figure for 2002),

and Italy (EurObserv'ER)

2005 : national reports under the Biofuels Directive. The EU25 figure assumes linear

development for CZ, 0 for NL and 0 for the three states that have not yet reported a target.

ANNEX 3

Policies Promoting Biofuels in non-EU countries

Rising oil prices, pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, and the desire to increase energy self-

sufficiency, conserve valuable foreign exchange and create employment are motivating

countries around the world to enact policy measures in support of biofuels.

Like the EU, a number of countries have set short- and long-term targets for the percentage

or quantity of biofuels to be incorporated into conventional fuel. In certain countries a

percentage blend is mandatory in all or part of the country. In Brazil, which has the world's

most developed biofuels industry, a 25% blend is mandatory. Canada has a 3.5% target for

the incorporation of bioethanol by 2010 but has a mandatory level of 5% for Ontario, to be

achieved by 2007.

A number of countries give tax credits or incentives to biofuel producers or feedstock growers,

and waive the excise and/or fuel tax, making the fuel cheaper to buy than conventional petrol

or diesel. In some cases government-owned vehicles are required to use biofuels. From

January 2006 India will introduce a biodiesel purchasing policy, obliging public sector oil

companies to buy oil produced from jatropha, pongamia and other oil plants and sell it in a 5%

blend, rising to 20% in 2020.

In Brazil and Thailand there are tax exemptions for vehicles able to run on biofuels. Thailand

is also supporting the development of domestically-produced green vehicles.

Many countries have grant and loan programmes for the construction of processing plants or

the development of feedstock. In Australia, seven new projects have recently received

Government backing.

Brazil 's example is best known and has served as inspiration for a number of other, mainly


sugar-producing, countries. Brazil has become the world's largest producer and consumer of

ethanol, largely thanks to the targeted subsidies under the Proalcool programme.

The Proalcool programme was launched in 1975 as a response to the oil price shocks of

1973/74 and as a means to develop a use for surplus sugar production. It provided incentives

for ethanol producers, as well as price subsidies for consumers through tax reductions.

Initially, the programme was very successful: in 1986, 90% of all new cars sold ran solely on

ethanol, while ethanol production costs and prices gradually decreased due to economies of

scale and gains in yield.

In Brazil all petrol is still sold with an ethanol component of 20-26%. In economic terms,

investments in agriculture and industry for the production of transport ethanol in the period

1975-89 has been estimated at close to US$ 5 bn, triggering benefits in terms of import

savings with a value of over US$ 52 bn for the period 1975-2002. Although the programme

lost some of its impact in the 1990s due to a slump in world oil prices and the phasing-out of

government incentives, it is seeing a resurgence related to current high oil prices, the

competitiveness of ethanol as a transport fuel and the emergence of new export markets.

There are currently no subsidies for ethanol production and the product is very competitive on

the domestic market: hydrated ethanol is sold for 60-70% of the price of gasohol (a blend of

90% petrol and 10% ethanol) at the pump. The Brazilian government continues to pay close

attention to the biofuels sector, however, by encouraging the sugar cane industry and the

provision of flexible-fuel vehicles. In addition, new legislation on biodiesel was implemented in

January 2004.

The world's second largest producer of bioethanol, the United States , has seen an

exponential rise in production initiatives over the last year thanks to a series of tax measures

and incentives.

In 2004 the Energy Tax Act was reworked and renamed the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax

Credit (VEETC), meaning that the tax exemption now applies to all levels of blending. VEETC

extended the existing ethanol tax incentive to the end of 2010 at a rate of $0.51 per gallon. It

also improved the small ethanol producer tax credit, which allows a 10 cent per gallon tax

credit for facilities with a capacity of less than 30 million gallons per year. VEETC also

introduced a tax credit of $1 per gallon for biodiesel if made from new oil or $0.50 per gallon if

made from recycled oil.

Other federal tax incentives include income tax deduction for alcohol-fuelled vehicles and an

alternative-fuels production tax credit. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Public Law

108-357) provides tax incentives for alcohol and biodiesel fuels, available to blenders/retailers


beginning in January 2005. The credits are $0.51 per gallon of ethanol at 190 proof or greater,

$1.00 per gallon of agri-biodiesel, and $0.50 per gallon of waste-grease biodiesel. If the fuel is

used in a mixture, the credit amounts to $0.05 per percentage point ethanol or agri-biodiesel

used or $0.01 per percentage point of waste-grease biodiesel.

In 2005, as part of its new energy bill, the United States introduced a renewable fuels

standard (RFS), with a target rising from 4 billion gallons in 2006 to 7.5 billion gallons by

2012. The industry is confident of meeting this target and expects eventually to achieve a

10% market penetration.

A Bioethanol Bill, which would require the blending of bioethanol into commercial gasoline,

was recently approved by the House of Representatives. Under the bill, all commercial motor

fuels would be required to have a 5% blend of bioethanol within two years of the act coming

into force. After another two years, the required blend would go up to 10%.

ANNEX 4

Biofuels Market Situation

Today, bioethanol is the world's main biofuel. Biodiesel, which until recently was produced

almost solely in the EU, is now gaining a foothold in many regions across the world. Biogas

comes a poor third and has so far made a breakthrough only in Sweden.

According to EurObservER, the EU's production of biofuels amounted to 2.4 million tonnes in

2004: 0.5 million tonnes of bioethanol and 1.9 million tonnes of biodiesel. This is an increase

of more than 25% compared with the previous year and production capacities are increasing

rapidly.

For bioethanol, more than 1 million tonnes are expected by the end of 2005 and capacity is

likely to treble by the end of 2007. For biodiesel, the estimated 66 production sites across the

EU are scheduled to expand to 75-80 plants by the end of 2005. For mid-2006 an increase in

total EU25 biodiesel production capacity to 3.8 - 4.1 million tonnes is expected.

Table 1: EU Production of liquid biofuels

[pic]

source: EurObservER 2005

In 2004 world production of bioethanol for fuel use was around 30 billion litres. This


represents around 2% of global petrol use. Production is set to increase by around 11% in

2005. The table[17] below shows ethanol production by world region.

Brazil has long been the world's leading producer of bioethanol. The sugarcane area is

constantly being extended, in order to meet growing domestic and export demand. With

around 1 million flex-fuel[18] cars expected to be on Brazil's roads by the end of 2005, the

availability of bioethanol for export could be reduced, at least in the short term. In the United

States bioethanol output is expanding at an unprecedented rate and now nearly matches that

of Brazil. Canada is a world leader in developing second-generation bioethanol.

Table 2: World ethanol production (fuel and other uses)

[pic]

In 2004 the European Union , with production of almost 0.5 million tonnes, is estimated to

have produced 10% of the world's bioethanol. The leading EU producers were Spain and

France. The leading consumer was Sweden, with about 80% of the quantities imported,

mostly from Brazil.

In Asia , Thailand is currently building over a dozen ethanol plants that will use sugar cane

and rice husks. Thailand's ethanol production capacity could rise to 1.5 billion litres a year.

Pakistan, the world's largest exporter of molasses, is launching a domestic bioethanol

programme to absorb some of the country's estimated 400 000 tonne production capacity,

following the withdrawal of its special duty free access under Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001,

which allowed it to export ethanol duty-free to the EU. Bioethanol expansion in India was

slowed by a shortage of feedstock, caused by a drought affecting sugar cane production.

Forced to import large quantities of ethanol from Brazil last year, India's domestic production

should be back on track this year. It produces more than 1.5 billion litres of ethanol annually,

of which only a quarter is used for fuel purposes.

A rapidly growing demand for sugar in the Far East means that increased ethanol production

has to be balanced against a tight world sugar market and strong export potential. China 's

ethanol industry comprises over 200 production facilities in 11 provinces, capable of

producing more than 10 million tonnes of ethanol each year. As food security is a great

concern to China, they have also made investments in Brazil, from where they are likely to

import considerable quantities of ethanol in the future, as will Japan .

A number of ACP sugar-producing countries are planning to diversify into bioethanol, but

whether many of them will be able to produce at sufficiently low cost to be competitive is

uncertain. However, the potential for biofuel production is not limited only to countries that


grow sugar cane. Nigeria is considering the use of cassava, of which it is the world's leading

producer. Other feedstocks, such as sweet sorghum (for bioethanol) and jatropha (for

biodiesel), require lower fertiliser input, are more resistant to drought and can be grown in any

region of the world. However, yield volatility may reduce their long-term profitability.

The EU is the world's leading region for the production and consumption of biodiesel . EU25

production increased to almost 2 million tonnes in 2004, with Germany the main producer,

followed by France and Italy.

Around the world, many other countries have now launched biodiesel programmes, using a

wide range of different feedstocks, from cassava to used cooking oil.

The United States ' National Biodiesel Board anticipates that 75 million gallons of biodiesel

will be produced in 2005, or three times as much as in 2004. A federal tax incentive, state

legislation and a diesel shortage are all contributing to a rise in demand. In Brazil a 2%

biodiesel blend will become mandatory in 2008. In addition to developing soya, investments

are also being made to develop production from castorseed, in particular in the poorer semi-

arid north-east of the country.

Malaysia , the world's biggest producer of palm oil, is developing a biodiesel industry, as are

Indonesia and the Philippines. The first two countries will also supply palm oil to new plants in

Singapore, from where biodiesel will be exported. The obligation in India to mix 5% biodiesel

with normal diesel is expected to create an immediate demand of 2.5 million tonnes of

biodiesel, which may increase to 16 million tonnes if the mix is to achieve the target of 20% in

2020.

Fiji is keen to replace 10% of its diesel fuel imports with coconut oil from local copra

production.

Some ACP countries are exploring biofuels options with the help of EU Member States. One

example is a partnership between a Danish laboratory and the University of Dar es Salaam,

Tanzania, which is carrying out fundamental research into the production of ethanol from

lignocellulosic waste materials. The production of bioethanol from agricultural waste in the

developing world can be envisaged with no danger that this would detract from food

production. Feasibility studies are also being carried out on using cotton oil as biodiesel in

Brazil and West Africa.

Production of biogas has increased significantly, but it is used mainly for combined power and

heat generation. Although in Europe more than 500 000 gas-fuelled vehicles have been sold

in recent years, they mainly run on fossil gas. However, biogas as a transport fuel is used in


some countries and Sweden has about 50 biogas refuelling stations.

ANNEX 5

Trade in Biofuels

1. Biodiesel

Biodiesel imports into the EU are subject to an ad valorem duty of 6.5%. However, there is no

significant external trade, since the EU is by far the world's biggest producer. Although

technical traits are reported to be less favourable than for rapeseed oil, biodiesel generated

from imported soya and palm oil can be mixed in low percentages with rapeseed biodiesel

without major problems.

2. Bioethanol - current trade

There is currently no specific customs classification for bioethanol for biofuel production. This

product is traded under code 2207, which covers both denatured (CN 2207 20) and

undenatured alcohol (CN 2207 10). Both denatured and undenatured alcohol can then be

used for biofuel production. It is not possible to establish from trade data whether or not

imported alcohol is used in the fuel ethanol sector in the EU.

An import duty of 19.2/hl is levied on undenatured alcohol, while an import duty of 10.2/hl

applies to denatured alcohol.

Table I

Imports under code 2207 (in hl) |

Av. 1999-2001 | Av. 2002-04 | % of total (02-04) |

Undenatured alcohol | 1 167 935 | 2 383 239 | 93% |

Denatured alcohol | 279 904 | 180 988 | 7% |

Total | 1 447 839 | 2 564 226 | 100% |

Source: Eurostat Comext database, EU25 since 1999 CN (simulated) - Statistical regime 4 -

extracted on 29 July 2005. |


Overall imports of alcohol under code 2207 averaged 2 564 226 hl over the 2002-04 period,

up from 1 447 839 hl over 1999-2001. Over 93% came under code 2207 10 (undenatured

alcohol).

The principal trade trends are summarised in Table II:

Table II

Total imports of alcohol under code 2207 (in hl) by duty enjoyed by the exporting countries |

2002 | 2003 | 2004 | Av. 2002-04 | % of total |

Reduced duty | 227 285 | 182 940 | 288 364 | 232 863 | 9% |

Duty-free | 980 693 | 2 027 632 | 1 709 282 | 1 572 536 | 61% |

MFN | 657 011 | 494 771 | 1 124 699 | 758 827 | 30% |

TOTAL | 1 864 989 | 2 705 344 | 3 122 345 | 2 564 226 | 100% |



a) average imports of bioethanol increased by 77% over 2002-2004 compared to the previous

three-year period (1999-2001), when they totalled 1 447 839 hl;

b) over that period 70% of these imports were traded under preferential conditions, of which

almost 61% were duty-free, while 9% benefited from some type of duty reduction;

c) 30% of EU trade under code 2207 takes place under MFN (most favoured nation)

conditions.

With respect to the largest exporting countries:

a) over the 2002-2004 period, Pakistan was the largest duty-free exporter with an average of

501 745 hl, followed, at a distance, by Guatemala with 223 782 hl;

b) Brazil is the only country capable of exporting large quantities as MFN, with an average of

649 640 hl over the same period, with the second MFN exporter, the USA, on only 20 109 hl;


c) one country - Ukraine - accounts for the vast majority of imports at reduced duty, with 107

711 hl over the 2002-04 period. Egypt came second with over 43 000 hl.

In addition, recent trends in trade flows may require further consideration, given that

increasing amounts of imports take place under headings other than 2207 (for instance under

heading 3824 when bioethanol is blended with petrol, attracting a normal customs duty of

around 6%). Bioethanol is also imported, blended in ETBE.

3. Preferential imports of bioethanol into the EU

The EU's preferential trade basically comes under two regimes: the Generalised System of

Preferences (including, among others, the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative) and the

Cotonou Agreement. The main preferences accorded under each regime are summarised in

Table III and described in detail in the following sections.

Table III

Import conditions under code 2207 under EU's main preferential agreements |

GSP normal | GSP+ | EBA | Cotonou |

Duty reduction | 15% up to 31.12.2005 | 0% as of 1.1.2006 | 100% | 100% | 100% |

Quantitative restrictions | NO | NO | NO | NO |

Beneficiaries | All GSP beneficiaries if not graduated. | Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica,

Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, El Salvador, Venezuela, Georgia, Sri Lanka,

Mongolia and Moldova | LDCs | ACPs |

3 .1. GSP

Council Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001), in force until 31 December 2005,

classified denatured and undenatured alcohol under code 2207 as a sensitive product.

According to Article 7(4) of the Regulation, imports of this alcohol from all GSP beneficiary

countries qualified for a 15% reduction on the MFN duty[19].

Under the special drugs regime established by Council Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001, which

was in force from the early nineties until repealed on 30 June 2005, exports from a number of

countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,

Panama, Peru, Pakistan, El Salvador and Venezuela) qualified for duty-free access under


code 2207.

The new GSP Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 980/2005 of 27 July 2005), which

applies from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2008, no longer provides for any tariff reduction

for either denatured or undenatured alcohol under code 2207 (still classified as a sensitive

product). This Regulation put in place a special incentive arrangement for sustainable

development and good governance (the new GSP+ incentive scheme), which has been in

force on a provisional basis since 1 July 2005 and applies on a permanent basis from 1

January 2006 to 31 December 2008. This new incentive arrangement grants unlimited and

duty-free access (suspension of Common Customs Tariff duties) to denatured or undenatured

alcohol under code 2207. It includes all the countries that already benefited from the previous

drugs scheme, with the exception of Pakistan, which is subject to the full MFN duty.

The new incentive arrangement now also includes Georgia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and

Moldova, which have not so far exported bioethanol to the EU.

Moreover, a special arrangement for the least developed countries (the EBA initiative) under

the new GSP Regulation offers unlimited duty-free access to denatured or undenatured

alcohol under code 2207.

3.2. Cotonou Agreement

Under the Cotonou Agreement, ACP countries qualify for duty-free access for denatured and

undenatured alcohol under code 2207 with the sole exception of South Africa. Under

Regulation (EC) 2501/2001, South Africa enjoys a 15% reduction in customs duties. From 1

January 2006 it has to pay full MFN duty.

3.3. Other countries with preferential arrangements

Egypt currently has unlimited duty-free access to the EU under the Euro-Mediterranean

Agreement. Before that, it qualified for a 15% reduction under the GSP scheme.

Norway, which ranks among the top ten exporters with a total of 89 375 hl under code 2207 in

2004, has been granted duty-free access to the EU under the system of tariff rate quotas

(TRQs) since the mid-nineties. In 2005 the TRQ will total 164 000 hl for exports under code

2207 10 (up from 134 000 hl the previous year) and 14 340 hl under code 2207 20, up from 3

340 hl.

4. Trade analysis - ethanol


Table IV sums up trade under the various preferential arrangements.

Table IV

Imports under preferential conditions 2002 - 2004 (in hl) by duty regime enjoyed by the

exporting country |

2002 | 2003 | 2004 | Av. 2002-04 | % of total trade 2002-04 |

GSP normal | 227 285 | 182 940 | 288 364 | 232 863 | 9% |

GSP+ | 553 156 | 1 569 005 | 1 412 896 | 1 178 352 | 47.5% |

ACP | 291 055 | 268 784 | 154 663 | 238 167 | 9% |

EBA | 30 018 | 86 247 | 18 956 | 45 074 | 1.5% |

Others | 106 464 | 103 597 | 122 768 | 110 943 | 4% |

Total preferential | 1 207 978 | 2 210 573 | 1 997 646 | 1 805 399 | 70% |

Total MFN | 657 011 | 494 771 | 1 124 699 | 758 827 | 30% |

Grand total | 1 864 989 | 2 705 344 | 3 122 345 | 2 564 226 | 100% |


extracted on 29 July 2005.

4.1. GSP

Trade data for 2001-2004 show a dramatic increase in bioethanol exports from the countries

benefiting from the special drugs regime in previous years. Although these countries have

benefited from the same regime since the 1990s, the unlimited duty-free access enjoyed

under this scheme at a moment of rising demand for alcohol under code 2207 can be

considered the single most important factor underlying the doubling of bioethanol exports from

these countries to the EU. All major exporters under code 2207 over the last three years

benefit from this scheme: Pakistan, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and

Panama.

Altogether, exports of ethanol from the GSP-plus beneficiaries totalled 1 412 896 hl in 2004:


practically all duty-free exports to the EU and 46% of all exports under code 2207 to the EU

over the 2002-2004 period.

Thanks to its lower production costs, Pakistan took a big lead over the other GSP

beneficiaries with 1 008 656 hl in 2004 (the second largest exporter in the world) followed, at

a distance, by Guatemala with over 250 000 hl.

Under the new GSP, the exclusion of Pakistan from the list of countries having unlimited duty-

free access to the EU market will remove from the market one of the most aggressive and

competitive producers. All the other direct competitors under the GSP drugs regime will

continue to enjoy duty-free access to the EU market and might be expected to fill the gap left

by Pakistan, as they have relatively low production costs too.

Nevertheless, at US$14.52/hl, Pakistan has production costs closer to Brazil's, which, with

production costs of US$13.55/hl, still manages to export substantial quantities to the EU

despite paying the full MFN duty. Pakistan might therefore be expected to continue to be able

to export significant quantities of ethanol to the EU, albeit not at the same pace as before,

thus utilising the increased production capacity built over the last couple of years.

By contrast, the 15% reduction offered by the normal GSP regime provided access for

approximately 9% of exports of the same product to the EU market. Unlike the obvious

favourable impact of the GSP drugs regime, the impact of the 15% duty reduction is more

difficult to assess. The two largest exporting countries benefiting from this reduction are

Ukraine and South Africa. In the case of Ukraine, the introduction of the 15% reduction

coincided with a dramatic increase in exports over the 2002-2004 period. For South Africa, on

the other hand, the last two years showed exports stable at approximately 50 000 hl, following

a dramatic decrease over the 2000-2001 period. Under these conditions, it is difficult to

predict the impact of the removal of the 15% import duty reduction, although it seems fair to

say that even such a small reduction seemed to provide a competitive advantage over the

countries paying full duty.

4.2. EBA

So far, exports of bioethanol to the EU from countries benefiting from the special arrangement

for the least developed countries (the EBA initiative) under the GSP (EC) Regulation No

980/2005 have been negligible and have come primarily from one country - the Democratic

Republic of Congo - which already qualified for duty-free access as an ACP country. At the

moment, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only LDC with sizeable, though erratic,

exports of alcohol to the EU under code 2207 since 1999. In 2004 exports totalled 18 956 hl

after peaking at 86 246 hl the year before.


It is fair to recognise, however, that the EBA dates back to only 2001 and some of the

countries which did not have duty-free access under other earlier regimes (notably

Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Afghanistan and Nepal) might find new ways of access to the

EU in the medium or longer term.

New opportunities might emerge in these countries - which generally do not produce (or are

not very competitive at producing) sugar cane or any other raw material for bioethanol

production from their own resources - in the form of processing molasses imported from their

competitive, sugar-producing neighbours. This might be the case with Cambodia, which could

use raw material from Thailand, or with Bangladesh and Nepal, which might process raw

material from India. At the moment it is difficult to quantify future potential production from

these countries, but investments are known to have been made in some of them, for example

Bangladesh.

In this respect, it is important to stress that under Council Regulation (EC) No 980/2005,

imports are subject to the GSP rules of origin including regional cumulation. The Commission

services are currently considering the reform of GSP rules of origin in line with the orientations

contained in the Commission's Communication COM(2005) 100 of 16 March 2005 on The

rules of origin in preferential trade arrangements: Orientations for the future. This aims at

simplification and appropriate relaxation of the rules. Inter alia , if favours the principle of using

a value-added method for the determination of origin.


- On the whole, ACP exports to the EU under code 2207 have so far been limited. Over the

last couple of years, however, they have been fairly stable at 238 167 hl, despite a low of 154

663 hl in 2004 (excluding South Africa: 48 728 hl).

Swaziland and Zimbabwe are by far the leading exporters with an average of 85 562 hl and

120 261 hl, respectively, over the 2002-04 period. A number of ACP countries are likely to

consider bioethanol production as an alternative to sugar production as part of the

restructuring resulting from the EU sugar reform. However, bioethanol production from sugar

cane might remain relatively low and limited only to countries where sugar production is

competitive, such as Swaziland and Zimbabwe, which have production costs close to Brazil's

and India's and which are already exporting substantial quantities to the EU under code 2207.

[1] Siehe das Grünbuch Hin zu einer europäischen Strategie für

Energieversorgungssicherheit, KOM(2000) 769 endg.


[2] Siehe das Weißbuch Die europäische Verkehrspolitik bis 2010, KOM(2001) 370 endg.

[3] Richtlinie 2003/30/EG vom 8. Mai 2003 zur Förderung der Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen

oder anderen erneuerbaren Kraftstoffen im Verkehrssektor (ABl. L 123 vom 17.5.2003).

[4] KOM(2005)628 vom 7. Dezember 2005.

[5] Die hochrangige Expertengruppe CARS 21 wurde von Vizepräsident Verheugen

eingesetzt, um die Herausforderungen an die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit zu prüfen, mit denen die

europäische Automobilindustrie konfrontiert wird. Sie hat ihren Bericht am 12. Dezember 2005

genehmigt. http//

www.europa.eu.int/comm./enterprise/automotive/pagesbackground/competitiveness/cars21fin

alreport.pdf .

[6] Mitteilung über alternative Kraftstoffe für den Straßenverkehr und ein Bündel von

Maßnahmen zur Förderung der Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen, KOM(2001) 547.

[7] Richtlinie 2003/30/EG vom 8. Mai 2003 zur Förderung der Verwendung von Biokraftstoffen

oder anderen erneuerbaren Kraftstoffen im Verkehrssektor (ABl. L 123 vom 17.5.2003).

[8] Richtlinie 2003/96/EG vom 27. Oktober 2003 zur Restrukturierung der gemeinschaftlichen

Rahmenvorschriften zur Besteuerung von Energieerzeugnissen und elektrischem Strom (ABl.

L 283 vom 31.10.2003).

[9] ABl. C 37 vom 3.2.2001, S. 3, insbesondere Abschnitt E.3.3.

[10] KOM(2005) 634.

[11] Siehe Fußnote 5.

[12] Richtlinie 98/70/EG vom 13. Oktober 1998 über die Qualität von Otto- und

Dieselkraftstoffen (ABl. L 350 vom 28.12.1998). Geändert durch die Richtlinie 2003/17/EG

vom 3. März 2003 (ABl. L 76 vom 22.3.2003).

[13] Siehe Mittelung der Kommission Die Kohäsionspolitik im Dienste von Wachstum und

Beschäftigung, KOM(2005) 299.

[14] KOM(2005) 666.

[15] KOM(2005) 667.

http://www.europa.eu.int/comm./enterprise/automotive/pagesbackground/competitiveness/cars21finalreport.pdf



[16] Bei dieser Überprüfung ist anzugeben, ob eher KN-Codes (EU-Zolltarif) oder

internationale HS-Codes im Mittelpunkt stehen sollten. Neue HS-Codes können nur im Wege

internationaler Verhandlungen eingeführt werden, während ein neuer KN-Code für die

statistischen Zwecke der EU sinnvoll sein könnte.

[17] It should be noted that not all ethanol production is for biofuels. At present, accurate

figures for worldwide fuel ethanol production are not available.

[18] Flex-fuel cars can run on any combination of gasoline and bioethanol.

[19] Article 7(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001 of 10.12.2001.

CELEX Nummer 2: 506DC0034

Author: Europäische Kommission

Rechtsform: Mitteilung

Vertrag: Europäische Gemeinschaft

Datum des Dokuments: 20060208

Datum der Meldung: 20060210

Gültigkeitsende: 99999999

Früher erwähnte Dokumente: 52006SC0142 Verbunden

Sachgebiet: Angleichung der Rechtsvorschriften ; Verkehr ; Umwelt

Alle Daten: des Dokuments: 08/02/2006

der Absendung: 10/02/2006; Dem Rat zugeleitet

Ende der Gültigkeit: 99/99/9999

Erstellung des Dokuments: 2006/02/14

Aktualisierung der analytischen Felder: 2006/05/11


Aktualisierung der Textfelder: 2006/02/23


NS eec : European Union | eucom : European Commission | genv : Environmental News | gtrans :

Transport | gcat : Political/General News | gpir : Politics/International Relations | gplan : Urban

Planning/Development | ocat : International Pol-Econ Organizations

RE eecz : European Union Countries | eurz : Europe

IPC sector5 typeDC year2006 sequence0034 07050000 15102000

PUB Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

AN Document CELEXG0020060302e2280008b


SE Sector: 5

HD 52006DC0034 - Communication from the Commission - An EU Strategy for Biofuels

{SEC(2006) 142}

WC 11,994 words

PD 8 February 2006

SN Eur-Lex

SC CELEXE

LA English

CY EUR-Lex (c) European Communities 2006

LP [pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

Brussels, 8.2.2006

TD COM(2006) 34 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION

An EU Strategy for Biofuels{SEC(2006) 142}

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. REALISING THE POTENTIAL OF BIOFUELS - A STRATEGIC APPROACH 4

2.1. First-generation biofuels 5

2.2. Second-generation biofuels and beyond 5

2.3. Biofuels in developing countries 6

3. THE BIOFUEL STRATEGY - SEVEN POLICY AXES 7


3.1. Stimulating demand for biofuels 7

3.2. Capturing environmental benefits 9

3.3. Developing the production and distribution of biofuels 10

3.4. Expanding feedstock supplies 11

3.5. Enhancing trade opportunities 13

3.6. Supporting developing countries 14

3.7. Supporting research and development 16

Annex 1: Biofuels Glossary 18

Annex 2: Biofuels progress at national level 19

Annex 3: Policies promoting biofuels in non-EU countries 20

Annex 4: Biofuels market situation 22

Annex 5: Trade in biofuels 25

1. INTRODUCTION

In the EU, transport is responsible for an estimated 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions that

are contributing to global warming, and the percentage is rising. In order to meet sustainability

goals, in particular the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions agreed under the Kyoto

Protocol, it is therefore essential to find ways of reducing emissions from transport.

This is not the only challenge. Nearly all the energy used in the EU transport sector comes

from oil. Known oil reserves are limited in quantity and restricted to a few world regions. New

reserves exist, but will mostly be more difficult to exploit. Securing energy supplies for the

future is therefore not only a question of reducing import dependency, but calls for a wide

range of policy initiatives, including diversification of sources and technologies[1].

In the EU a range of actions is already being taken. Vehicle manufacturers are developing

new models that are cleaner and more fuel efficient, as well as working on new concepts.


Efforts are also being made to improve public transport and encourage the use of

environmentally-friendly modes of transport where possible[2]. Further endeavours are

needed to make reductions in the amount of energy used for transport.

Developing countries face similar and even greater challenges with respect to transport

energy: rising oil prices are badly affecting their balance of payments; reliance on imported

fossil fuels implies vulnerability and they too are faced with the challenge of reducing

greenhouse gas emissions.

The central importance of energy policy in helping the EU meet the challenges of globalisation

was confirmed by the Union's heads of state and government at the informal Hampton Court

summit in October 2005 where the Commission was requested to prepare proposals for the

development of a reinvigorated European Energy Policy. One important element of such an

approach would be means to address Europe's over-dependency on imported oil and gas and

to develop a coherent approach, based on a robust economic, environmental and social

impact analysis, on how to progressively reduce this dependency.

This communication looks at the role biofuels could play in this context. Processed from

biomass, a renewable resource, biofuels are a direct substitute for fossil fuels in transport and

can readily be integrated into fuel supply systems. Biofuels can be used as an alternative fuel

for transport, as can other alternatives (see 2.1) and thus help prepare the way for further

advanced developments, such as hydrogen.

Although most biofuels are still more costly than fossil fuels their use is increasing in countries

around the world. Encouraged by policy measures, global production of biofuels is now

estimated to be over 35 billion litres.

The EU is supporting biofuels with the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,

boosting the decarbonisation of transport fuels, diversifying fuel supply sources and

developing long-term replacements for fossil oil. The development of biofuel production is

expected to offer new opportunities to diversify income and employment in rural areas.

In the context of the review of the Biofuels Directive[3] that the Commission is due to carry out

by the end of 2006, attention will be paid to the issue of cost-effectiveness, the level of

ambition after 2010, and to assessing and monitoring the full environmental impact of

biofuels.

The production of biofuels from suitable feedstocks could also generate economic and

environmental benefits in a number of developing countries, create additional employment,

reduce energy import bills and open up potential export markets. In particular, the production


of bioethanol could offer a feasible alternative for some sugar-producing countries affected by

the reform of the EU sugar regime.

This Communication complements the Biomass Acton Plan[4] and is accompanied by an

Impact Assessment which presents different policy options. Based on this assessment the

Communication recommends a regulated market-based approach, corresponding to the

Impact Assessment's option 2, which reflects current knowledge and seeks to prepare the

way for future developments. This option in particular favours a balanced approach in trade

negotiations concerning biofuels, the use of available instruments in agricultural, rural

development and cohesion policy, and the development of a coherent assistance package for

developing countries. While existing technologies do not at present offer cost-competitive

solutions for the EU, the benefits of encouraging the development of biofuels should outweigh

the cost. In this context, the development of second generation biofuels, in which research

and development has an important role, could further contribute to their cost-effectiveness. In

view of the complex, cross-cutting and dynamic character of the issues, the approach taken is

a strategic one, the impact of which will be carefully monitored. As the biofuels market

evolves, appropriate modifications will be discussed and incorporated into the strategy.

2. REALISING THE POTENTIAL OF BIOFUELS - A STRATEGIC APPROACH

The recent Biomass Action Plan has already described various actions that will be taken to

encourage the use of all kinds of biomass for renewable energy production. This

Communication now sets out An EU Strategy for Biofuels with three aims:

- to further promote biofuels in the EU and developing countries, ensure that their production

and use is globally positive for the environment and that they contribute to the objectives of

the Lisbon Strategy taking into account competitiveness considerations;

- to prepare for the large-scale use of biofuels by improving their cost-competitiveness

through the optimised cultivation of dedicated feedstocks, research into second generation

biofuels, and support for market penetration by scaling up demonstration projects and

removing non-technical barriers;

- to explore the opportunities for developing countries - including those affected by the reform

of the EU sugar regime - for the production of biofuel feedstocks and biofuels, and to set out

the role the EU could play in supporting the development of sustainable biofuel production.

2.1. First-generation biofuels

First-generation biofuels can be used in low-percentage blends with conventional fuels in


most vehicles now and can be distributed through the existing infrastructure. Some diesel

vehicles can run on 100% biodiesel (B100) and flex-fuel vehicles are already available in

many countries around the world. Replacing a percentage of diesel or petrol with biofuels is

therefore the simplest way for the transport sector to make an immediate contribution to the

Kyoto targets, particularly given that the benefits would apply to the entire vehicle fleet.

Developing a substitute for diesel is of particular importance in the European context given

that the EU is currently a net importer of diesel, while it exports petrol.

However, even using the most modern technologies, the cost of EU-produced biofuels will

make it difficult for them to compete with fossil fuels. With the technologies currently available,

EU-produced biodiesel breaks even at oil prices around 60 per barrel, while bioethanol

becomes competitive with oil prices of about 90 per barrel.

Biofuels can be used as an alternative fuel for transport, as can other alternatives such as

liquid natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and

hydrogen. Nevertheless, encouraging the use of currently available biofuels may be seen as

an intermediate step to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to diversify transport energy

sources, and to prepare the EU economy for other alternatives in the transport sector which

are not yet mature. By actively embracing the global trend towards biofuels and by ensuring

their sustainable production, the EU can exploit and export its experience and knowledge,

while engaging in research to ensure that we remain in the vanguard of technical

developments. A clear strategy for the EU will also promote lower production costs.

The supply of feedstocks is crucial to the success of the biofuel strategy. Some of the

provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy will therefore be reviewed and adapted if

necessary. The expected increase in the world trade in biofuels will also contribute to stability

of supply in the EU and other parts of the world.

The construction of plants to produce alternative fuels, the introduction of new engine types

and the adaptation of the fuel distribution system entail long-term investments, which need

stable prospects for market demand. This implies that supply-side measures need to be

complemented by an effective market-based incentive system. In the medium-term, additional

investment will be necessary to bring new technologies and feedstocks into use. Forestry and

waste materials will play an increasing role if second-generation processes can be made to

work effectively in commercial terms.

To derive the greatest benefit from current and future opportunities, the Commission is

committed to encouraging the first-generation biofuels market, which will be complemented by

new technologies as they come on-stream.


2.2. Second-generation biofuels and beyond

One of the most promising second-generation biofuel technologies - ligno-cellulosic

processing - is already well advanced. Three pilot plants have been established in the EU, in

Sweden, Spain and Denmark. Other technologies to convert biomass to liquid biofuels (BtL)

include Fischer-Tropsch biodiesel and bio-DME (dimethyl ether). Demonstration plants are in

operation in Germany and Sweden.

Synthetic natural gas (SNG) can be produced from fossil as well as renewable resources.

Renewable SNG has significant advantages for CO2 reduction and could be a decisive step

in the development of other gaseous fuels.

The CARS 21 High Level Group[5] has identified second-generation biofuels as particularly

promising and has recommended that their development should be given substantial support.

The Group also concluded that further policy developments should take into account and

reflect the differing climate change benefits of different biofuel technologies and production

processes.

To prepare for the large-scale use of cost-competitive biofuels, continued research and

development is needed to make the new technologies successful. The European Biofuels

Technology Platform and other Technology platforms can play a vital role in achieving this.

Work should also be encouraged on the development of dedicated feedstocks and to increase

the range of raw materials that can be used to make biofuels.

Partnership among all the relevant stakeholders will be necessary to promote best practices

and facilitate long-term private sector investments. In this respect, the European Investment

Bank could assist in the development and scaling-up of economically viable projects and

technologies.

Development will be monitored at EU level with the aim of providing support at the appropriate

time for the upgrading of demonstration projects to commercial-scale operations. At the same

time, guarantees must be given as to the environmental benefits of all new processes and any

non-technical barriers to their acceptance will have to be removed.

Advanced biofuel technologies could also provide a stepping stone to renewably-produced

hydrogen, which offers the prospect of virtually emission-free transport. However, hydrogen

fuel cells require new engine technology as well as a big investment in plants to produce the

hydrogen and a new distribution system. In this context, the sustainability of hydrogen has to

be carefully assessed. Any shift to hydrogen-based transport would therefore call for a major

decision, embedded in a large-scale, long-term strategy.


2.3. Biofuels in developing countries

Biomass productivity is highest in tropical environments and the production costs of biofuels,

notably ethanol, are comparatively low in a number of developing countries. Bioethanol

produced from sugar cane is currently competitive with fossil fuels in Brazil which is the

world's leading producer of bioethanol. Moreover, the fossil energy input for producing ethanol

from sugar cane is lower than for ethanol produced in Europe, so the corresponding emission

reductions are greater. For biodiesel, the EU is currently the principal producer and there is no

significant trade. Developing countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, that

currently produce biodiesel for their domestic markets, could well develop export potential.

In general, the production of biofuels could provide an opportunity to diversify agricultural

activity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels (mainly oil) and contribute to economic growth in a

sustainable manner. But the differentiated picture among developing countries has to be

recognised, while concerns exist regarding environmental, economic and social issues.

The varying prospects for biofuels production and use in developing countries are related to

the types of feedstock produced and to a range of economic factors. For the domestic

development of biofuels, the price of oil on the world market is an important determinant.

Other factors that play a role are (i) the potential scale of production; (ii) the size of the

national or regional market; (iii) the infrastructure investments needed; (iv) the supportiveness

of the policy regime; (v) the options for exports (EU, USA, Japan, China) and (vi) the market

price of the feedstocks to be used for biofuel production.

In countries where a large-scale expansion of feedstock production is likely to take place,

environmental concerns relate to pressures on eco-sensitive areas, like rainforests. There are

also concerns regarding the effect on soil fertility, water availability and quality, and pesticide

use. Social effects concern potential dislocation of communities and competition between

biofuel and food production. These concerns need specific investigation and quantification

and, if necessary, should be addressed through strong regulatory frameworks. EU

development policy will aim to help suitable developing countries capture the benefits offered

by biofuels, while addressing these concerns in an appropriate way.

3. THE BIOFUEL STRATEGY - SEVEN POLICY AXES

This chapter describes the seven policy axes, under which are grouped the measures the

Commission will take to promote the production and use of biofuels.

3.1. Stimulating demand for biofuels


The Commission will

- bring forward a report in 2006 with a view to a possible revision of the Biofuels Directive.

This report will inter alia address the issues of setting national targets for the market share of

biofuels, using biofuel obligations and ensuring sustainable production;

- encourage Member States to give favourable treatment to second-generation biofuels in

biofuels obligations;

- encourage the Council and European Parliament to give speedy approval to its recently

adopted legislative proposal to promote public procurement of clean and efficient vehicles,

including those using high blends of biofuels.

In 2001, the Commission adopted a communication accompanied by legislative proposals on

alternative fuels for road transport, identifying three main fuels (biofuels, natural gas and

hydrogen) with a potential for development.[6] The legal proposals were adopted, in amended

form, in 2003.

The Biofuels Directive [7] sets reference values of a 2% market share for biofuels in 2005 and

a 5.75% share in 2010. To implement the directive, many Member States are relying on fuel

tax exemptions, facilitated by the Energy Taxation Directive .[8] A number have recently

turned to biofuel obligations, requiring fuel supply companies to incorporate a given

percentage of biofuels in the fuel they place on the national market.

The 2005 target share of 2% biofuels was not achieved. With the objectives set by the

Member States, the share of biofuels would have attained, at most, only 1.4%. The

Commission has launched infringement proceedings in seven cases where Member States

adopted low targets without due justification.

In 2006, the Commission will bring forward a report on the implementation of the Biofuels

Directive with a view to a possible revision. This report will inter alia address the issues of:

- national targets for the market share of biofuels,

- using biofuel obligations,

- requiring that, only biofuels whose production in the EU and third countries complies with

minimum sustainability standards will count towards the targets.


Any system of certificates would need to apply in a non-discriminatory way to both

domestically produced and imported biofuels and comply with WTO provisions.

Biofuel obligations seem a promising way of overcoming difficulties with tax exemptions. They

would also make it easier to give favourable treatment to biofuels with greater greenhouse

gas savings, which the Commission would like to encourage.

The Energy Taxation Directive makes it possible for Member States to grant tax

reductions/exemptions in favour of biofuels, under certain conditions. These tax concessions

are considered as state aids, which may not be implemented without prior authorisation by the

Commission. The Commission's assessment has the aim of avoiding undue distortions of

competition and is based on the Community guidelines on state aid for environmental

protection[9]. These guidelines take into account the beneficial effects that energy produced

from biomass may have compared with energy from fossil fuels.

The assessment also aims to ensure that no over-compensation occurs, which is also

required by the Energy Taxation Directive. As production costs vary, especially for bioethanol,

the Commission is investigating to what extent instruments can be refined to take this into

account while respecting international trade rules..

The compatibility between biofuel supply obligations (in their various possible forms) and tax

incentives will have to be carefully assessed. It can be expected that obligations would take

away the need for fiscal support and permit a reduction in the levels of state aid, in line with

the polluter pays principle and the Commission's state aid action plan, which focuses on less

but better aid.

Moreover, a framework for incentives linked to the environmental performance of individual

fuels should be established. This would encourage and promote the use of market-driven and

demand-side measures for biofuels. Suitable policy measures could include, for example, the

encouragement of environmental systems for vehicle users, eco-labelling, price differentiation

through emission charges and product levies, environmental quality promotion through

educating and informing both consumers and producers, tradable permits, environmental

performance bonds, funds and environmental risk assessment in banking procedures.

Fertile markets for the development of biofuel use are offered by publicly and privately-owned

vehicle fleets, and by farm and heavy goods vehicles, where tax exemptions or reductions

have proved particularly successful in encouraging the use of high-blend biofuels. At farm

level, small-scale processors and seed press systems are now available that can produce

biodiesel economically from farm waste or oilseed crops. City and privately-operated bus

fleets generally have dedicated fuel supplies, so can switch quite easily to biofuels. Another


area where the demand for biofuels could be further stimulated is that concerning fishing

fleets and vessels which offers a potential market for the use of biodiesel.

For the public sector, the Commission will continue to encourage the use of biofuels in these

specific areas. It has tabled a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the

Council on the promotion of clean road transport vehicles[10], including those using high

blends of biofuels.

3.2. Capturing environmental benefits

The Commission will

- examine how biofuel use can count towards the CO2 emission reduction targets for car

fleets;

- explore and, where appropriate, propose measures to ensure optimal greenhouse gas

benefits from biofuels;

- work to ensure the sustainability of biofuel feedstock cultivation in the EU and third

countries;

- examine the issues of limits on the content of ethanol, ether and other oxygenates in petrol;

limits on the vapour content of petrol; and limits on the biodiesel content of diesel.

The Commission is examining the scope for biofuel use to count towards CO2 emission

targets for car fleets, building on the agreement by carmakers to reduce emissions from new

cars in the framework of an integrated approach. On the basis of the CARS21 report[11], the

Commission is currently examining the various options for this approach.

To capture the potential environmental benefits, a biofuel strategy has to focus on (1)

optimising greenhouse gas benefits for the expenditure made, (2) avoiding environmental

damage linked to the production of biofuels and their feedstocks, (3) ensuring that the use of

biofuels does not give rise to environmental or technical problems.

(1) Currently, incentives for biofuels do not take into account the actual greenhouse gas

benefits of the different biofuels and their production pathways. Linking greenhouse gas

benefits to encouraging the provisions of biofuels would help to increase their benefits and

send a clear signal to the industry of the importance of further improving production pathways

in this respect. It would also allow market-based signals to be sent to fuel and feedstock

producers, to further reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector. To be effective, such a


mechanism must apply to both domestic and imported products in a non-discriminatory way

and comply fully with WTO provisions. A multinational approach could also be explored,

linked to the existing Clean Development Mechanism, which would guarantee the involvement

of trade partners. Incentives covered by the Biofuels Directive will be reviewed in the course

of 2006.

(2) It is essential that appropriate minimum environmental standards apply to feedstock

production for biofuels, adapted to local conditions in the EU and third countries. In particular,

some concerns have been raised over the use of set-aside land because of the potential

impact on biodiversity and soil, and over the growing of biofuels in environmentally vulnerable

areas. Addressing these concerns requires attention to where energy crops would fit within

rotations generally, the avoidance of negative effects on biodiversity, water pollution, soil

degradation, and the disruption of habitats and species in areas of high nature value.

Sustainability criteria for EU production should, however, not be limited to energy crops, but

should cover all agricultural land, as required by cross-compliance rules established under the

2003 CAP reform. These criteria should also take into account the advantages of energy crop

cultivation in crop rotation systems and in marginal areas. Such criteria and standards would

need to comply with WTO provisions, be effective and not over-bureaucratic.

(3) In use, different types of biofuels give rise to different environmental and technical issues.

The Fuel Quality Directive [12] establishes specifications for petrol and diesel, for

environmental and health reasons, e.g. limits on the content of ethanol, ether and other

oxygenates in petrol. It also limits the vapour pressure of petrol. Standard EN590 sets further

limits for technical reasons, and states that diesel must contain no more than 5% biodiesel by

volume (4.6% in energy terms). These limits put constraints on the increased use of biofuels.

The Commission has announced that it will review the quantitative limits on ethanol, ethers

and biodiesel in 2006.

3.3. Developing the production and distribution of biofuels

The Commission will

- encourage Member States and regions to take into account the benefits of biofuels and

other bioenergy when preparing their national reference frameworks and operational plans

under cohesion policy and rural development policy;

- propose setting up a specific ad hoc group to consider biomass including biofuels

opportunities within national rural development programmes;


- ask the relevant industries to explain the technical justification for practices that act as

barriers to the introduction of biofuels and monitor the behaviour of these industries to ensure

that there is no discrimination against biofuels.

Many of the regions assisted by the Structural and Cohesion Funds, particularly in rural

regions in central and eastern Europe, have the potential to use biomass to generate

economic growth and employment. Low labour costs and high resource availability can give

these regions a comparative advantage in the production of biofuel feedstocks. Supporting

the development of renewable and alternative energy sources such as biomass, including

biofuels, is therefore an important objective for cohesion policy [13] . Support can be given, for

example, for the retraining of farmers, the provision of equipment for biomass producers and

for investment in facilities to produce biofuels.

The Commission encourages Member States and regions, when preparing their National

Strategic Reference Frameworks and operational programmes, to ensure that the potential

benefits of biofuels have been thoroughly taken into account.

Investment on or near farms, for example in biomass processing, as well as the mobilisation

of unused biomass by forest holders, can also be supported by rural development policy. The

Commission has proposed Community strategic guidelines for rural development which

emphasise renewable energy, including biofuels. It is also proposing a specific ad hoc group

to consider biomass and biofuel opportunities within national rural development programmes.

Like fuel tax exemptions, other forms of official support for biofuel production and use must

obviously conform to provisions on State aid.

The Commission will ask the industries concerned to explain the technical justification for

barriers to the introduction of biofuels and will seek the views of other interested parties. It will

monitor the behaviour of the relevant industries to ensure that there is no discrimination

against biofuels.

When assessing the impact of policies and programmes to support the production and

distribution of biofuels, the Commission will take into account their possible effect on

traditional ethanol, food, forestry and oil markets.

3.4. Expanding feedstock supplies

The Commission will

- make sugar production for bioethanol eligible for both the non-food regime on set-aside land


and the energy crop premium;

- assess the opportunities for additional processing of cereals from existing intervention

stocks into biofuels, to contribute to reducing the amount of cereals exported with refunds;

- assess the implementation of the energy crop scheme by the end of 2006;

- monitor the impact of biofuel demand on commodity and by-product prices, their availability

for competing industries and the impact on food supply and prices, in the EU and in

developing countries;

- finance a campaign to inform farmers and forest holders about the properties of energy

crops and the opportunities they offer;

- bring forward a Forestry Action Plan, in which the energy use of forest material will play an

important part;

- review how animal by-products legislation could be amended in order to facilitate the

authorisation and approval of alternative processes for the production of biofuels;

- implement the mechanism proposed to clarify standards for the secondary use of waste

materials.

The ongoing process of CAP reform started in 1992 has reduced price support and helped to

increase the competitiveness of EU agricultural production for all possible outlets: food,

animal feed and non-food use, including biofuels. This is particularly important for cereals,

which are currently one of the major feedstocks for EU bioethanol production. The decoupling

of income support from production introduced by the 2003 CAP reform will help to further

facilitate the supply of energy crops. In particular, crops that were eligible for direct payments

only under the non-food regime on set-aside areas may now be cultivated on any area without

loss of income support.

The set-aside obligation, which was introduced with the 1992 reform as a tool to balance the

cereals market, has been integrated into the new single payment scheme. Set-aside land can

normally not be used for any type of production, but the cultivation of non-food crops

(including energy crops) is authorised if the use of the biomass is guaranteed either by a

contract or by the farmer.

Political agreement has recently been reached on a major reform of the Common Market

Organisation for sugar . Sugar beet grown for bioethanol will continue to be exempt from


quotas. The Commission will pursue its proposition to make sugar beet grown for bioethanol

eligible for both the non-food regime on set-aside land and the energy crop premium. This will

provide new outlets for sugar beet in the EU.

Under its market policies, the Commission has made use of the possibility to sell alcohol from

the distillation of wine out of intervention stocks for energy purposes. However, this certainly

cannot be seen as a sustainable source for biofuel production. In 2005, for the first time, a

tender for rye from intervention stocks was opened specifically for bioethanol production. The

Commission will assess the opportunities for additional processing of cereals from existing

intervention stocks into biofuels, to contribute to reducing the amount of cereals exported with

refunds.

In addition, a special aid for energy crops was introduced by the 2003 CAP reform. A

premium of 45 per ha is available, with a maximum guaranteed area of 1.5 million hectares as

the budgetary ceiling. If applications should exceed the ceiling, the premium will be reduced

proportionally. This energy crop scheme is subject to a Commission report by 31 December

2006 and appropriate proposals, taking into account the implementation of the biofuel targets.

Biofuels are currently produced almost entirely from crops that can also be used for food

purposes. Concerns have been voiced that, as global biofuel demand grows, the availability of

food at an affordable price could be endangered in developing countries. Biofuels also

compete for raw material with other industries. In view of these concerns, the Commission will

closely monitor the impact of biofuel demand.

The Commission is considering financing a campaign to inform farmers and forest holders

about the properties of energy crops, mobilising the unused potential of forest-based energy

and the opportunities they offer.

The Commission is preparing a forestry action plan to be adopted in 2006, in which energy

uses of forest material will play an important role. This will be particularly important for the

production of second generation biofuels.

Organic waste from the paper industry, animal fats and by-products, recycled cooking oils and

many other sources are underused as an energy resource. The Commission recently adopted

a thematic strategy for the prevention and recycling of waste[14] and a proposal for new

waste framework legislation[15]. In this the Commission proposed a mechanism to clarify

standards for the secondary use of waste materials, for instance in biofuel production.

3.5. Enhancing trade opportunities


The Commission will

- assess the advantages, disadvantages and legal implications of putting forward a proposal

for separate nomenclature codes for biofuels;

- maintain market access conditions for imported bioethanol that are no less favourable than

those provided by the trade agreements currently in force, maintain in particular, a

comparable level of preferential access for ACP countries and take into account the problem

of preference erosion;

- pursue a balanced approach in ongoing and future trade negotiations with ethanol-producing

countries and regions - the EU will respect the interests of both domestic producers and EU

trading partners, in the context of the rising demand for biofuels;

- propose amendments to the biodiesel standard to facilitate the use of a wider range of

vegetable oils for biodiesel production, and allow ethanol to replace methanol in biodiesel

production.

As there is no specific customs classification for biofuels, the exact amount of imported

ethanol, oilseeds and vegetable oil ultimately used in the transport sector cannot be

quantified. The Commission will assess the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the

legal implications, of putting forward a proposal for separate nomenclature codes for

biofuels.[16]

Currently, bioethanol under tariff code 2207 enters duty-free under the following preferential

trade arrangements:

- the Everything But Arms initiative (EBA) for Least Developed Countries,

- the Cotonou Agreement with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries,

- the new GSP plus incentive scheme (special incentive arrangement for sustainable

development and good governance),

- some bilateral preferential agreements, notably the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.

Two ongoing negotiations will have an impact on further market opening for bioethanol:

- At multilateral level, the Doha Round (DDA): Bioethanol will be subject to tariff cuts following

negotiations on agricultural market access. Market access for bioethanol is also being


discussed in the negotiations on trade and environment, whereas the market access

negotiations for industrial products are also relevant for some sorts of biofuels.

- At regional level, the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur (Argentina,

Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).

Sugar and bioethanol are Brazil's main offensive interests and are therefore essential

elements of these negotiations.

Given the rising demand for biofuels, the Commission is seeking the appropriate development

of both EU domestic production and enhanced import opportunities for biofuels and their

feedstocks and to develop their economic viability. In order to meet the interests of domestic

producers and EU trading partners alike, the Commission will pursue a balanced approach in

ongoing bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations with ethanol producing countries. As far

as current trade is concerned, the Commission will maintain market access conditions for

imported bioethanol that are no less favourable than those provided by the trade agreements

now in force.

Concerning biodiesel, an amendment of standard EN 14214 could facilitate the use of a wider

range of vegetable oils, to the extent feasible without significant ill-effects on fuel performance

and respecting the sustainability standards.

3.6. Supporting developing countries

The Commission will

- ensure that accompanying measures for Sugar Protocol countries affected by the EU sugar

reform can be used to support the development of bioethanol production;

- develop a coherent Biofuels Assistance Package that can be used in developing countries

that have a potential for biofuels;

- examine how the EU can best assist the development of national biofuel platforms and

regional biofuel action plans that are environmentally and economically sustainable.

The European Union's internal efforts to promote renewable energy go hand in hand with its

willingness to strengthen international co-operation in this area, particularly with developing

countries.

The proposal by the Commission for accompanying measures for Sugar Protocol countries


affected by the EU sugar reform is an important cooperation initiative. The accompanying

measures will support restructuring or diversification in the affected countries, on the basis of

their strategies to face the consequences of the reform. Within this framework, the EU could

support the development of the ethanol sector, based on thorough country-specific studies.

Other cooperation frameworks include the European Union Energy Initiative and the

Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition (JREC). The EU Energy Initiative focuses on

policy dialogue, in parallel with specific partnerships and actions on access to energy and

poverty alleviation. Renewable energy is a major focal area of the Initiative, which has

established the EU Energy Facility (budget 220 million). This will become operational in 2006

and will act as a catalyst for concrete investments in energy services for those living under the

poverty line. The JREC is a broad platform where governments are working together to

strengthen renewables. The JREC Patient Capital Initiative follows up on a commitment by

JREC member countries to identify and bridge financing gaps for renewable energy business

developers and SMEs, particularly in developing countries.

To further develop synergies between the different instruments available to promote biofuels

in development policy, the Commission will develop a coherent Biofuels Assistance Package

that will use the current range of instruments to support aspects of biofuel development, in

countries and regions where biofuels offer a good option for sustainable poverty reduction. In

doing so, the Commission will assess how it can best help strengthen smallholder

involvement in biofuel production: in their relation to other actors in the chain, through

dissemination of information and exchange of best practice and in favouring South-South

exchanges, through twinning and business-to-business relations and facilitating private sector

investment, e.g. through the involvement of the European Investment Bank.

The EU will ensure that measures proposed for biofuel development are fully coherent with its

development policy and with national and sectoral development policies.

In many developing countries policies and strategies for biofuels will need to be developed,

taking into account national potential, national, regional and international market prospects,

technical standards, infrastructure and other economic, social and environmental aspects.

The development of national biofuel platforms , bringing together all relevant stakeholders

from private and public sectors appears to be a key step in this process. At regional level,

economies of scale and technological standardisation increase the chances for biofuel

development. Regional biofuel action plans , developed by regional organisations and aiming

at regional market development, can be instrumental in biofuel development. The EU will

investigate how best it can assist in both these aspects. Moreover, it will assist in the

mitigation of environmental risks through case-specific investigations and support to the

development of the effective regulatory framework.


3.7. Supporting research and development

The Commission will

- In the 7th Framework Programme continue its support for the development of biofuels and

strengthening the competitiveness of the biofuel industry;

- Give a high priority to research into the bio-refinery concept - finding valuable uses for all

parts of the plant - and into second-generation biofuels;

- Continue to encourage the development of an industry-led Biofuel technology platform and

mobilise other relevant technology platforms;

- Support the implementation of the Strategic Research Agendas prepared by these

technology platforms.

Research and technological development in the field of biofuels is expected to result in costs

falling by an average of 30% beyond 2010. Community-funded research has already been

instrumental in the development and growth of the EU biofuels industry. For example, the

EUROBIODIESEL project launched in 1992 demonstrated the technical and economic

feasibility of producing and using biodiesel without significant technical problems in tractors,

buses and cars. The recently launched Integrated Projects RENEW and NILE are key actions

in the development of second-generation biofuels aiming at pilot plant scale production.

The industry-led European Biofuels Technology Platform aims at providing and implementing

a common European vision and strategy for the production and use of biofuels, in particular

for transport applications. Major European biofuels stakeholders are represented, including

the agricultural and forestry sectors, food industry, biofuels industry, oil companies and fuel

distributors, car manufacturers and research institutes. Other technology platforms, such as

Plants for the Future, Forestry-based Sector and Sustainable Chemistry, will also increase the

knowledge base for biofuel production. Actions at European level (ERA-NET) in the field of

biomass will further increase the cost-effectiveness of RTD funding through programme

coordination and the initiation of joint activities at national and regional level.

The proposal for the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) gives priority to biofuel

research to further strengthen the competitiveness of the EU biofuel industry. In the

Cooperation Specific Programme research activities will concentrate mainly on two themes (i)

Energy, aiming at bringing down the unit cost of fuels by improving conventional technologies

and developing second-generation biofuels (e.g. Fischer-Tropsch biodiesel, lignocellulosic


ethanol, bio-dimethylether) and (ii) Food, agriculture and biotechnology, applying life sciences

and biotechnology to improving biomass production systems. The concept of biorefineries ,

aiming at the integral use of the biomass and maximising the cost-effectiveness of the final

products, will be a key focus in both themes.

Other relevant activities include support for the market introduction and dissemination of

proven biofuel technologies through the Intelligent Energy - Europe programme (part of the

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme), capacity building for scaling-up and

demonstration, as well as international cooperation with developed and developing countries

to further exploit mutual benefits and technology transfer.

ANNEX 1

Biofuels Glossary

Biofuel | Liquid or gaseous fuel for transport produced from biomass |

Biomass | Biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residues from agriculture (including

vegetal and animal substances), forestry and related industries, as well as the biodegradable

fraction of industrial and municipal waste |

Synthetic biofuels | Synthetic hydrocarbons or mixtures of synthetic hydrocarbons produced

from biomass, e.g. SynGas produced from gasification of forestry biomass or SynDiesel |

Liquid biofuels |

Bioethanol | Ethanol produced from biomass and/or the biodegradable fraction of waste, for

use as biofuel E5 contains 5% ethanol and 95% petrol E85 contains 85% ethanol and 15%

petrol |

Biodiesel | A methyl-ester produced from vegetable oil, animal oil or recycled fats and oils of

diesel quality, for use as biofuel (PME, RME, FAME) B5 is a blend of petroleum-based diesel

(95%) and biodiesel (5%) B30 is a blend of petroleum-based diesel (70%) and biodiesel

(30%) B100 is non-blended biodiesel |

Biomethanol | Methanol produced from biomass, for use as biofuel |

Bio-ETBE | Ethyl-Tertio-Butyl-Ether produced from bioethanol. ETBE is used as a fuel


ETBE calculated as biofuel is 47%. |


Bio-MTBE | Methyl-Tertio-Butyl-Ether produced from biomethanol. MTBE is used as a fuel


MTBE calculated as biofuel is 36%. |

BtL | Biomass to liquid |

Pure vegetable oil | Oil produced from oil plants through pressing, extraction or comparable

procedures, crude or refined but chemically unmodified, which can be used as biofuel when

compatible with the type of engine involved and the corresponding emission requirements. |

Gaseous biofuels |

Bio-DME | Dimethylether produced from biomass, for use as biofuel |

Biogas | A fuel gas produced from biomass and/or the biodegradable fraction of waste, which

can be purified to natural gas quality for use as biofuel or woodgas. |

Biohydrogen | Hydrogen produced from biomass and/or the biodegradable fraction of waste

for use as biofuel. |

Other renewable fuels |

Renewable fuels other than biofuels which originate from renewable energy sources as

defined in Directive 2001/77/EC and are used for transport purposes |

ANNEX 2

Biofuels: progress at national level

Member State | Market share 2003 | National indicative target for 2005 | Targeted increase,

2003-2005 |

AT | 0.06% | 2.5% | +2.44% |

BE | 0 | 2% | +2% |

CY | 0 | 1% | +1% |

CZ | 1.12% | 3.7% (2006) | + 1.72% (assuming linear path) |


DK | 0 | 0% | +0% |

EE | 0 | not yet reported | not yet reported |

FI | 0.1% | 0.1% | +0% |

FR | 0.68 | 2% | +1.32% |

DE | 1.18% | 2% | +0.82% |

GR | 0 | 0.7% | +0.7% |

HU | 0 | 0.4-0.6% | +0.4-0.6% |

IE | 0 | 0.06% | +0.06% |

IT | 0.5% | 1% | +0,5% |

LA | 0.21% | 2% | +1.79% |

LI | 0 (assumed) | 2% | +2% |

LU | 0 (assumed) | not yet reported | not yet reported |

MT | 0 | 0.3% | +0.3% |

NL | 0.03% | 2% (2006) | +0% (promotional measures will come into force from January 2006)

|

PL | 0.49% | 0.5% | +0.01% |

PT | 0 | 2% | +2% |

SK | 0.14% | 2% | +1.86% |

SI | 0 (assumed) | not yet reported | not yet reported |

ES | 0.76% | 2% | +1.24% |


SV | 1.33% | 3% | +1.67% |

UK | 0.03% | 0.3% | +0.27% |

EU25 | 0.6% | 1.4% | +0.8% |

Sources:

2003 : national reports under the biofuels directive except Belgium (Eurostat figure for 2002),

and Italy (EurObserv'ER)

2005 : national reports under the Biofuels Directive. The EU25 figure assumes linear

development for CZ, 0 for NL and 0 for the three states that have not yet reported a target.

ANNEX 3

Policies Promoting Biofuels in non-EU countries

Rising oil prices, pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, and the desire to increase energy self-

sufficiency, conserve valuable foreign exchange and create employment are motivating

countries around the world to enact policy measures in support of biofuels.

Like the EU, a number of countries have set short- and long-term targets for the percentage

or quantity of biofuels to be incorporated into conventional fuel. In certain countries a

percentage blend is mandatory in all or part of the country. In Brazil, which has the world's

most developed biofuels industry, a 25% blend is mandatory. Canada has a 3.5% target for

the incorporation of bioethanol by 2010 but has a mandatory level of 5% for Ontario, to be

achieved by 2007.

A number of countries give tax credits or incentives to biofuel producers or feedstock growers,

and waive the excise and/or fuel tax, making the fuel cheaper to buy than conventional petrol

or diesel. In some cases government-owned vehicles are required to use biofuels. From

January 2006 India will introduce a biodiesel purchasing policy, obliging public sector oil

companies to buy oil produced from jatropha, pongamia and other oil plants and sell it in a 5%

blend, rising to 20% in 2020.

In Brazil and Thailand there are tax exemptions for vehicles able to run on biofuels. Thailand

is also supporting the development of domestically-produced green vehicles.

Many countries have grant and loan programmes for the construction of processing plants or


the development of feedstock. In Australia, seven new projects have recently received

Government backing.

Brazil 's example is best known and has served as inspiration for a number of other, mainly

sugar-producing, countries. Brazil has become the world's largest producer and consumer of

ethanol, largely thanks to the targeted subsidies under the Proalcool programme.

The Proalcool programme was launched in 1975 as a response to the oil price shocks of

1973/74 and as a means to develop a use for surplus sugar production. It provided incentives

for ethanol producers, as well as price subsidies for consumers through tax reductions.

Initially, the programme was very successful: in 1986, 90% of all new cars sold ran solely on

ethanol, while ethanol production costs and prices gradually decreased due to economies of

scale and gains in yield.

In Brazil all petrol is still sold with an ethanol component of 20-26%. In economic terms,

investments in agriculture and industry for the production of transport ethanol in the period

1975-89 has been estimated at close to US$ 5 bn, triggering benefits in terms of import

savings with a value of over US$ 52 bn for the period 1975-2002. Although the programme

lost some of its impact in the 1990s due to a slump in world oil prices and the phasing-out of

government incentives, it is seeing a resurgence related to current high oil prices, the

competitiveness of ethanol as a transport fuel and the emergence of new export markets.

There are currently no subsidies for ethanol production and the product is very competitive on

the domestic market: hydrated ethanol is sold for 60-70% of the price of gasohol (a blend of

90% petrol and 10% ethanol) at the pump. The Brazilian government continues to pay close

attention to the biofuels sector, however, by encouraging the sugar cane industry and the

provision of flexible-fuel vehicles. In addition, new legislation on biodiesel was implemented in

January 2004.

The world's second largest producer of bioethanol, the United States , has seen an

exponential rise in production initiatives over the last year thanks to a series of tax measures

and incentives.

In 2004 the Energy Tax Act was reworked and renamed the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax

Credit (VEETC), meaning that the tax exemption now applies to all levels of blending. VEETC

extended the existing ethanol tax incentive to the end of 2010 at a rate of $0.51 per gallon. It

also improved the small ethanol producer tax credit, which allows a 10 cent per gallon tax

credit for facilities with a capacity of less than 30 million gallons per year. VEETC also

introduced a tax credit of $1 per gallon for biodiesel if made from new oil or $0.50 per gallon if

made from recycled oil.


Other federal tax incentives include income tax deduction for alcohol-fuelled vehicles and an

alternative-fuels production tax credit. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Public Law

108-357) provides tax incentives for alcohol and biodiesel fuels, available to blenders/retailers

beginning in January 2005. The credits are $0.51 per gallon of ethanol at 190 proof or greater,

$1.00 per gallon of agri-biodiesel, and $0.50 per gallon of waste-grease biodiesel. If the fuel is

used in a mixture, the credit amounts to $0.05 per percentage point ethanol or agri-biodiesel

used or $0.01 per percentage point of waste-grease biodiesel.

In 2005, as part of its new energy bill, the United States introduced a renewable fuels

standard (RFS), with a target rising from 4 billion gallons in 2006 to 7.5 billion gallons by

2012. The industry is confident of meeting this target and expects eventually to achieve a

10% market penetration.

A Bioethanol Bill, which would require the blending of bioethanol into commercial gasoline,

was recently approved by the House of Representatives. Under the bill, all commercial motor

fuels would be required to have a 5% blend of bioethanol within two years of the act coming

into force. After another two years, the required blend would go up to 10%.

ANNEX 4

Biofuels Market Situation

Today, bioethanol is the world's main biofuel. Biodiesel, which until recently was produced

almost solely in the EU, is now gaining a foothold in many regions across the world. Biogas

comes a poor third and has so far made a breakthrough only in Sweden.

According to EurObservER, the EU's production of biofuels amounted to 2.4 million tonnes in

2004: 0.5 million tonnes of bioethanol and 1.9 million tonnes of biodiesel. This is an increase

of more than 25% compared with the previous year and production capacities are increasing

rapidly.

For bioethanol, more than 1 million tonnes are expected by the end of 2005 and capacity is

likely to treble by the end of 2007. For biodiesel, the estimated 66 production sites across the

EU are scheduled to expand to 75-80 plants by the end of 2005. For mid-2006 an increase in

total EU25 biodiesel production capacity to 3.8 - 4.1 million tonnes is expected.

Table 1: EU Production of liquid biofuels

[pic]


source: EurObservER 2005

In 2004 world production of bioethanol for fuel use was around 30 billion litres. This

represents around 2% of global petrol use. Production is set to increase by around 11% in

2005. The table[17] below shows ethanol production by world region.

Brazil has long been the world's leading producer of bioethanol. The sugarcane area is

constantly being extended, in order to meet growing domestic and export demand. With

around 1 million flex-fuel[18] cars expected to be on Brazil's roads by the end of 2005, the

availability of bioethanol for export could be reduced, at least in the short term. In the United

States bioethanol output is expanding at an unprecedented rate and now nearly matches that

of Brazil. Canada is a world leader in developing second-generation bioethanol.

Table 2: World ethanol production (fuel and other uses)

[pic]

In 2004 the European Union , with production of almost 0.5 million tonnes, is estimated to

have produced 10% of the world's bioethanol. The leading EU producers were Spain and

France. The leading consumer was Sweden, with about 80% of the quantities imported,

mostly from Brazil.

In Asia , Thailand is currently building over a dozen ethanol plants that will use sugar cane

and rice husks. Thailand's ethanol production capacity could rise to 1.5 billion litres a year.

Pakistan, the world's largest exporter of molasses, is launching a domestic bioethanol

programme to absorb some of the country's estimated 400 000 tonne production capacity,

following the withdrawal of its special duty free access under Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001,

which allowed it to export ethanol duty-free to the EU. Bioethanol expansion in India was

slowed by a shortage of feedstock, caused by a drought affecting sugar cane production.

Forced to import large quantities of ethanol from Brazil last year, India's domestic production

should be back on track this year. It produces more than 1.5 billion litres of ethanol annually,

of which only a quarter is used for fuel purposes.

A rapidly growing demand for sugar in the Far East means that increased ethanol production

has to be balanced against a tight world sugar market and strong export potential. China 's

ethanol industry comprises over 200 production facilities in 11 provinces, capable of

producing more than 10 million tonnes of ethanol each year. As food security is a great

concern to China, they have also made investments in Brazil, from where they are likely to

import considerable quantities of ethanol in the future, as will Japan .


A number of ACP sugar-producing countries are planning to diversify into bioethanol, but

whether many of them will be able to produce at sufficiently low cost to be competitive is

uncertain. However, the potential for biofuel production is not limited only to countries that

grow sugar cane. Nigeria is considering the use of cassava, of which it is the world's leading

producer. Other feedstocks, such as sweet sorghum (for bioethanol) and jatropha (for

biodiesel), require lower fertiliser input, are more resistant to drought and can be grown in any

region of the world. However, yield volatility may reduce their long-term profitability.

The EU is the world's leading region for the production and consumption of biodiesel . EU25

production increased to almost 2 million tonnes in 2004, with Germany the main producer,

followed by France and Italy.

Around the world, many other countries have now launched biodiesel programmes, using a

wide range of different feedstocks, from cassava to used cooking oil.

The United States ' National Biodiesel Board anticipates that 75 million gallons of biodiesel

will be produced in 2005, or three times as much as in 2004. A federal tax incentive, state

legislation and a diesel shortage are all contributing to a rise in demand. In Brazil a 2%

biodiesel blend will become mandatory in 2008. In addition to developing soya, investments

are also being made to develop production from castorseed, in particular in the poorer semi-

arid north-east of the country.

Malaysia , the world's biggest producer of palm oil, is developing a biodiesel industry, as are

Indonesia and the Philippines. The first two countries will also supply palm oil to new plants in

Singapore, from where biodiesel will be exported. The obligation in India to mix 5% biodiesel

with normal diesel is expected to create an immediate demand of 2.5 million tonnes of

biodiesel, which may increase to 16 million tonnes if the mix is to achieve the target of 20% in

2020.

Fiji is keen to replace 10% of its diesel fuel imports with coconut oil from local copra

production.

Some ACP countries are exploring biofuels options with the help of EU Member States. One

example is a partnership between a Danish laboratory and the University of Dar es Salaam,

Tanzania, which is carrying out fundamental research into the production of ethanol from

lignocellulosic waste materials. The production of bioethanol from agricultural waste in the

developing world can be envisaged with no danger that this would detract from food

production. Feasibility studies are also being carried out on using cotton oil as biodiesel in

Brazil and West Africa.


Production of biogas has increased significantly, but it is used mainly for combined power and

heat generation. Although in Europe more than 500 000 gas-fuelled vehicles have been sold

in recent years, they mainly run on fossil gas. However, biogas as a transport fuel is used in

some countries and Sweden has about 50 biogas refuelling stations.

ANNEX 5

Trade in Biofuels

1. Biodiesel

Biodiesel imports into the EU are subject to an ad valorem duty of 6.5%. However, there is no

significant external trade, since the EU is by far the world's biggest producer. Although

technical traits are reported to be less favourable than for rapeseed oil, biodiesel generated

from imported soya and palm oil can be mixed in low percentages with rapeseed biodiesel

without major problems.

2. Bioethanol - current trade

There is currently no specific customs classification for bioethanol for biofuel production. This

product is traded under code 2207, which covers both denatured (CN 2207 20) and

undenatured alcohol (CN 2207 10). Both denatured and undenatured alcohol can then be

used for biofuel production. It is not possible to establish from trade data whether or not

imported alcohol is used in the fuel ethanol sector in the EU.

An import duty of 19.2/hl is levied on undenatured alcohol, while an import duty of 10.2/hl

applies to denatured alcohol.

Table I

Imports under code 2207 (in hl) |

Av. 1999-2001 | Av. 2002-04 | % of total (02-04) |

Undenatured alcohol | 1 167 935 | 2 383 239 | 93% |

Denatured alcohol | 279 904 | 180 988 | 7% |

Total | 1 447 839 | 2 564 226 | 100% |




Overall imports of alcohol under code 2207 averaged 2 564 226 hl over the 2002-04 period,

up from 1 447 839 hl over 1999-2001. Over 93% came under code 2207 10 (undenatured

alcohol).

The principal trade trends are summarised in Table II:

Table II

Total imports of alcohol under code 2207 (in hl) by duty enjoyed by the exporting countries |

2002 | 2003 | 2004 | Av. 2002-04 | % of total |

Reduced duty | 227 285 | 182 940 | 288 364 | 232 863 | 9% |

Duty-free | 980 693 | 2 027 632 | 1 709 282 | 1 572 536 | 61% |

MFN | 657 011 | 494 771 | 1 124 699 | 758 827 | 30% |

TOTAL | 1 864 989 | 2 705 344 | 3 122 345 | 2 564 226 | 100% |



a) average imports of bioethanol increased by 77% over 2002-2004 compared to the previous

three-year period (1999-2001), when they totalled 1 447 839 hl;

b) over that period 70% of these imports were traded under preferential conditions, of which

almost 61% were duty-free, while 9% benefited from some type of duty reduction;

c) 30% of EU trade under code 2207 takes place under MFN (most favoured nation)

conditions.

With respect to the largest exporting countries:

a) over the 2002-2004 period, Pakistan was the largest duty-free exporter with an average of

501 745 hl, followed, at a distance, by Guatemala with 223 782 hl;


b) Brazil is the only country capable of exporting large quantities as MFN, with an average of

649 640 hl over the same period, with the second MFN exporter, the USA, on only 20 109 hl;

c) one country - Ukraine - accounts for the vast majority of imports at reduced duty, with 107

711 hl over the 2002-04 period. Egypt came second with over 43 000 hl.

In addition, recent trends in trade flows may require further consideration, given that

increasing amounts of imports take place under headings other than 2207 (for instance under

heading 3824 when bioethanol is blended with petrol, attracting a normal customs duty of

around 6%). Bioethanol is also imported, blended in ETBE.

3. Preferential imports of bioethanol into the EU

The EU's preferential trade basically comes under two regimes: the Generalised System of

Preferences (including, among others, the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative) and the

Cotonou Agreement. The main preferences accorded under each regime are summarised in

Table III and described in detail in the following sections.

Table III

Import conditions under code 2207 under EU's main preferential agreements |

GSP normal | GSP+ | EBA | Cotonou |

Duty reduction | 15% up to 31.12.2005 | 0% as of 1.1.2006 | 100% | 100% | 100% |

Quantitative restrictions | NO | NO | NO | NO |

Beneficiaries | All GSP beneficiaries if not graduated. | Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica,

Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, El Salvador, Venezuela, Georgia, Sri Lanka,

Mongolia and Moldova | LDCs | ACPs |

3 .1. GSP

Council Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001), in force until 31 December 2005,

classified denatured and undenatured alcohol under code 2207 as a sensitive product.

According to Article 7(4) of the Regulation, imports of this alcohol from all GSP beneficiary

countries qualified for a 15% reduction on the MFN duty[19].


Under the special drugs regime established by Council Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001, which

was in force from the early nineties until repealed on 30 June 2005, exports from a number of

countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,

Panama, Peru, Pakistan, El Salvador and Venezuela) qualified for duty-free access under

code 2207.

The new GSP Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 980/2005 of 27 July 2005), which

applies from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2008, no longer provides for any tariff reduction

for either denatured or undenatured alcohol under code 2207 (still classified as a sensitive

product). This Regulation put in place a special incentive arrangement for sustainable

development and good governance (the new GSP+ incentive scheme), which has been in

force on a provisional basis since 1 July 2005 and applies on a permanent basis from 1

January 2006 to 31 December 2008. This new incentive arrangement grants unlimited and

duty-free access (suspension of Common Customs Tariff duties) to denatured or undenatured

alcohol under code 2207. It includes all the countries that already benefited from the previous

drugs scheme, with the exception of Pakistan, which is subject to the full MFN duty.

The new incentive arrangement now also includes Georgia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and

Moldova, which have not so far exported bioethanol to the EU.

Moreover, a special arrangement for the least developed countries (the EBA initiative) under

the new GSP Regulation offers unlimited duty-free access to denatured or undenatured

alcohol under code 2207.

3 .2. Cotonou Agreement

Under the Cotonou Agreement, ACP countries qualify for duty-free access for denatured and

undenatured alcohol under code 2207 with the sole exception of South Africa. Under

Regulation (EC) 2501/2001, South Africa enjoys a 15% reduction in customs duties. From 1

January 2006 it has to pay full MFN duty.

3 .3. Other countries with preferential arrangements

Egypt currently has unlimited duty-free access to the EU under the Euro-Mediterranean

Agreement. Before that, it qualified for a 15% reduction under the GSP scheme.

Norway, which ranks among the top ten exporters with a total of 89 375 hl under code 2207 in

2004, has been granted duty-free access to the EU under the system of tariff rate quotas

(TRQs) since the mid-nineties. In 2005 the TRQ will total 164 000 hl for exports under code

2207 10 (up from 134 000 hl the previous year) and 14 340 hl under code 2207 20, up from 3


340 hl.

4. Trade analysis - ethanol

Table IV sums up trade under the various preferential arrangements.

Table IV

Imports under preferential conditions 2002 - 2004 (in hl) by duty regime enjoyed by the

exporting country |

2002 | 2003 | 2004 | Av. 2002-04 | % of total trade 2002-04 |

GSP normal | 227 285 | 182 940 | 288 364 | 232 863 | 9% |

GSP+ | 553 156 | 1 569 005 | 1 412 896 | 1 178 352 | 47.5% |

ACP | 291 055 | 268 784 | 154 663 | 238 167 | 9% |

EBA | 30 018 | 86 247 | 18 956 | 45 074 | 1.5% |

Others | 106 464 | 103 597 | 122 768 | 110 943 | 4% |

Total preferential | 1 207 978 | 2 210 573 | 1 997 646 | 1 805 399 | 70% |

Total MFN | 657 011 | 494 771 | 1 124 699 | 758 827 | 30% |

Grand total | 1 864 989 | 2 705 344 | 3 122 345 | 2 564 226 | 100% |


extracted on 29 July 2005.

4.1. GSP

Trade data for 2001-2004 show a dramatic increase in bioethanol exports from the countries

benefiting from the special drugs regime in previous years. Although these countries have

benefited from the same regime since the 1990s, the unlimited duty-free access enjoyed

under this scheme at a moment of rising demand for alcohol under code 2207 can be

considered the single most important factor underlying the doubling of bioethanol exports from

these countries to the EU. All major exporters under code 2207 over the last three years


benefit from this scheme: Pakistan, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and

Panama.

Altogether, exports of ethanol from the GSP-plus beneficiaries totalled 1 412 896 hl in 2004:

practically all duty-free exports to the EU and 46% of all exports under code 2207 to the EU

over the 2002-2004 period.

Thanks to its lower production costs, Pakistan took a big lead over the other GSP

beneficiaries with 1 008 656 hl in 2004 (the second largest exporter in the world) followed, at

a distance, by Guatemala with over 250 000 hl.

Under the new GSP, the exclusion of Pakistan from the list of countries having unlimited duty-

free access to the EU market will remove from the market one of the most aggressive and

competitive producers. All the other direct competitors under the GSP drugs regime will

continue to enjoy duty-free access to the EU market and might be expected to fill the gap left

by Pakistan, as they have relatively low production costs too.

Nevertheless, at US$14.52/hl, Pakistan has production costs closer to Brazil's, which, with

production costs of US$13.55/hl, still manages to export substantial quantities to the EU

despite paying the full MFN duty. Pakistan might therefore be expected to continue to be able

to export significant quantities of ethanol to the EU, albeit not at the same pace as before,

thus utilising the increased production capacity built over the last couple of years.

By contrast, the 15% reduction offered by the normal GSP regime provided access for

approximately 9% of exports of the same product to the EU market. Unlike the obvious

favourable impact of the GSP drugs regime, the impact of the 15% duty reduction is more

difficult to assess. The two largest exporting countries benefiting from this reduction are

Ukraine and South Africa. In the case of Ukraine, the introduction of the 15% reduction

coincided with a dramatic increase in exports over the 2002-2004 period. For South Africa, on

the other hand, the last two years showed exports stable at approximately 50 000 hl, following

a dramatic decrease over the 2000-2001 period. Under these conditions, it is difficult to

predict the impact of the removal of the 15% import duty reduction, although it seems fair to

say that even such a small reduction seemed to provide a competitive advantage over the

countries paying full duty.

4.2. EBA

So far, exports of bioethanol to the EU from countries benefiting from the special arrangement

for the least developed countries (the EBA initiative) under the GSP (EC) Regulation No

980/2005 have been negligible and have come primarily from one country - the Democratic


Republic of Congo - which already qualified for duty-free access as an ACP country. At the

moment, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only LDC with sizeable, though erratic,

exports of alcohol to the EU under code 2207 since 1999. In 2004 exports totalled 18 956 hl

after peaking at 86 246 hl the year before.

It is fair to recognise, however, that the EBA dates back to only 2001 and some of the

countries which did not have duty-free access under other earlier regimes (notably

Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Afghanistan and Nepal) might find new ways of access to the

EU in the medium or longer term.

New opportunities might emerge in these countries - which generally do not produce (or are

not very competitive at producing) sugar cane or any other raw material for bioethanol

production from their own resources - in the form of processing molasses imported from their

competitive, sugar-producing neighbours. This might be the case with Cambodia, which could

use raw material from Thailand, or with Bangladesh and Nepal, which might process raw

material from India. At the moment it is difficult to quantify future potential production from

these countries, but investments are known to have been made in some of them, for example

Bangladesh.

In this respect, it is important to stress that under Council Regulation (EC) No 980/2005,

imports are subject to the GSP rules of origin including regional cumulation. The Commission

services are currently considering the reform of GSP rules of origin in line with the orientations

contained in the Commission's Communication COM(2005) 100 of 16 March 2005 on The

rules of origin in preferential trade arrangements: Orientations for the future. This aims at

simplification and appropriate relaxation of the rules. Inter alia , if favours the principle of using

a value-added method for the determination of origin.


- On the whole, ACP exports to the EU under code 2207 have so far been limited. Over the

last couple of years, however, they have been fairly stable at 238 167 hl, despite a low of 154

663 hl in 2004 (excluding South Africa: 48 728 hl).

Swaziland and Zimbabwe are by far the leading exporters with an average of 85 562 hl and

120 261 hl, respectively, over the 2002-04 period. A number of ACP countries are likely to

consider bioethanol production as an alternative to sugar production as part of the

restructuring resulting from the EU sugar reform. However, bioethanol production from sugar

cane might remain relatively low and limited only to countries where sugar production is

competitive, such as Swaziland and Zimbabwe, which have production costs close to Brazil's

and India's and which are already exporting substantial quantities to the EU under code 2207.


[1] As emphasised in the Green Paper Towards a European Strategy for the Security of

Energy Supply COM(2000) 769 final.

[2] See the White Paper on the European transport policy for 2010, COM(2001) 370 final.

[3] Directive 2003/30/EC of 8 May 2003 on the promotion of the use of biofuels or other

renewable fuels for transport (OJ L 123, 17.5.2003).

[4] COM(2005) 628, adopted on 7 December 2005.

[5] The CARS21 High Level Group was set up by Vice-President Verheugen to consider the

competitiveness challenges facing the European automotive industry. It adopted its report on

12 December 2005: http//

www.europa.eu.int/comm./enterprise/automotive/pagesbackground/competitiveness/cars21fin

alreport.pdf .

[6] Communication on alternative fuels for road transportation and on a set of measures to

promote the use of biofuels; COM(2001) 547.

[7] Directive 2003/30/EC of 8 May 2003 on the promotion of the use of biofuels or other

renewable fuels for transport (OJ L 123, 17.5.2003).

[8] Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the

taxation of energy products and electricity (OJ L 283, 31.10.2003).

[9] OJ C 37, 3.2.2001, p. 3, in particular section E.3.3.

[10] COM(2005) 634.

[11] See footnote 5.

[12] Directive 98/70/EC of 13 October 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels

(OJ L 350, 28.12.1998), as amended by Directive 2003/17/EC of 3 March 2003 (OJ L 76,

22.3.2003).

[13] as set out in the Commission's communication Cohesion policy in support of growth and

jobs, COM(2005) 299.

[14] COM(2005) 666.




[15] COM(2005) 667.

[16] This assessment will have to specify whether the focus should be on CN codes (internal

EU) or on international HS codes. Creating a new HS code requires international negotiation,

while a new CN code may be appropriate for EU statistical purposes.

[17] It should be noted that not all ethanol production is for biofuels. At present, accurate

figures for worldwide fuel ethanol production are not available.

[18] Flex-fuel cars can run on any combination of gasoline and bioethanol.

[19] Article 7(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001 of 10.12.2001.

CELEX number 2: 506DC0034

Author: European Commission

Form: Communication

Treaty: European Community

Date of document: 20060208

Date of despatch: 20060210

End of validity date: 99999999

Earlier related instruments: 52006SC0142 Relation

Subject matter: Approximation of laws ; Transport ; Environment

All dates: of document: 08/02/2006

of transmission: 10/02/2006; Forwarded to the Council

end of validity: 99/99/9999

Document creation: 2006/02/14


Update analytical fields: 2006/05/11

Update textual fields: 2006/02/23

NS eec : European Union | eucom : European Commission | genv : Environmental News | gtrans :

Transport | gcat : Political/General News | gpir : Politics/International Relations | gplan : Urban

Planning/Development | ocat : International Pol-Econ Organizations

RE eecz : European Union Countries | eurz : Europe

IPC sector5 typeDC year2006 sequence0034 07050000 15102000

PUB Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

AN Document CELEXE0020060302e2280008k


SE REGIONAL

HD RDS to be modernised, says YSR

BY Correspondent

WC 357 words

PD 7 February 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Ayacutdars to get water to their fields without any hurdles Ayacutdars to get water to their

fields without any hurdles

TD Bridge across Tungabhadra connecting Alampur with Nandikotkur soon All homeless families

in Alampur town will be provided house sites Ration cards will be given to all eligible families

in the district within three months Chief Minster Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has announced that

the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) which caters to the irrigation needs of over 85,000

acres in the district will be modernised by spending Rs. 72 crores. Speaking at Grama Sabha

at Alampur on Monday as part of the INDIRAMMA scheme, he said the ayacutdars under

RDS would get water to their fields without any hurdles after taking up the modernisation

works such as desilting of the reservoir and repairs to main canal and widening of canal.

Responding to the representation of Alampur MLA Challa Venkat Ram Reddy, the Chief

Minister also announced that the long cherished desire of people of Alampur constituency of

constructing a bridge across Tungabhadra connecting Alampur town with Nandikotkur of

Kurnool district would be fulfilled. If the bridge came up between Alampur town and

Nandikotkur, the distance of travel for the devotees of Andhra region who came to Alampur

town to have darshan of Jogulamba and Bala Brahmeshwara Swamy would be minimised .

Irrigation facility Dr. Rajasekhar Reddy reiterated that over 8 lakh acres in the district would

get irrigation facility after completion of four pending projects that were being executed by his


Government. He said that as many as 1.32 lakhs families in the district would get work within

15 days for 100 days in the current year under National Rural Employment Guarantee

scheme. Each beneficiary under scheme will get a daily wage of Rs. 80/- he said. His

Government would provide basic amenities in every village in the state within 3 years under

Indiramma programme. Ration cards would be given to all the eligible families in the district

within three months. The Government would encourage the farmers in the district to raise

Pongamia plantations in over one lakh acres.

IN i5020006 : Bridge Construction | i502 : Heavy Construction | iconst : Construction | icre :

Construction/Real Estate





AN Document THINDU0020060206e22700061


SE PROPERTYPLUS

HD Go for adventurous vegetables and rainbow flowers

BY DAKSHA HATHI

WC 886 words

PD 28 January 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 04

LA English


LP Exhibits at the Lalbagh flower show had style, beauty and utility value

THE LALBAGH flower show in January is one classroom of colour and scent that the

naughtiest child will not run away from. It teaches the most "garden-clueless" person, who

does not know the difference between compost and caladiums or between succulents and

spider plants, a lot of valuable lessons as he walks through a carnival of plants.

TD This year's show was richer because its special features included some adventurous

vegetables that tried to imitate flowers and succeeded too — as proven by the ornamental

cabbages that enchanted visitors in the Indo- American Hybrid Society's stall.

Costing Rs. 50, they seemed to be painted blue, silver, pink, mauve, yellow and orange! They

last only for three months. But you cannot reproduce them like you can take a cutting of

begonias or spider plants from your neighbour and get a free new plant. Nor can the purple-

pin-blue-silver cabbages be eaten! But many buyers were tempted to pick them up. The

seeds can be bought for Rs. 35, however.

Easy on the pocket


But if you cannot eat ornamental cabbages, the Lalbagh horticulture section made up for it

with green cabbages (also very showy) which you could pick up for Rs. 10 or even buy the

seeds. And they are edible. Call Lalbagh on Ph: 26576733.

One stall had ferns that looked like they were made from plastic, costing Rs. 100. Perhaps the

least noticed Cinderella of the show was the unusual slate blue and grey-coloured ivy in the

Raj Bhavan's collection. It was twined richly around a tall wire mesh.

Beyond it was a stunning carpet of bougainvillaea parading the colours of the rainbow. Pink

and white, yellow and orange, purple and cream, they glittered in the light. Reminding

gardeners that they are the easiest flowers to grow. Forget all about them as they faithfully fill

up your walls and corners with rainbow hues. They are available at the Lalbagh plant section.

The hanging plants at the Indo-American showroom were lovely, priced at Rs. 100, but

visitors who bought them did not get a carry bag with them and ended up walking all the way

to the gates holding them uncomfortably in their hands.

A seller from Shimoga had the best collection of Rex Begonias - silver white, pink, silver,

white, green-silver and many more — priced affordably at Rs. 30 and also sold in plastic bags

which made them easy to carry.

For the novice gardener, there were all the easiest plants to start with. Pepperomias, Rex

Begonias shimmering with their silver colours, ivy in a hanging pot, bougainvillaea,

chrysanthemums, fittonias, and succulents that are such friendly plants to learn gardening

with. You stick them in the soil and they grow for you! If you want to learn about bonsais and

how to grow them, contact the Bonsai Garden on Ph: 26573317. You can try out a Bonsai

workshop and take home your first handiwork.

And if you want to start growing your very own herbal garden, contact the Medplan

Conservatory Society on Ph: 28565873. email: [email protected]

The Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, recognised as a centre of

excellence in medicinal plants & traditional knowledge by the Union Ministry of Environment &

Forests, can also be contacted at the Lalbagh Nursery, Ph: 26576733. You can know more

about curative, preventive and health-giving plants.

If you want to try out interesting, healthy teas for controlling various illnesses and pick up aloe

vera juice, shampoo, herbal bath powders etc., you can get them at Khadi Gramodyog

Bhavan, Ph: 22223146 on Silver Jubilee Park Road, Ph: 26623050 in Basavangudi, Ph:

22262950 on Queens Road and Ph: 26610615 in Shankarpuram. The firm dealing in these


goods also sells aloe vera plants for Rs. 15 each. At the University of Agricultural Sciences

you can pick up aloe vera for Rs. 5. Ph: 55315598.

Gardeners and farmers who want to use biopesticides for dealing with pests in roses,

carnations, cabbage, cauliflowers etc. should check out the newer items such as pongamia

soap and neem soap offered by the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR). Ph:

28466420/421/422. email: [email protected].

Three stalls at Lalbagh were selling delicious, healthy amla products. They had been invited

by the Government to promote the use of amla in sweetmeats, pickles, juices, jams, jellies

and other treats. Amla juice and other amla products can be bought in Bangalore from Shakti

Arogya Yatra, ph: 26507758, 56997199.

So, the novice gardener might have learnt at least that compost is humus, the rich, dark and

crumbly soil that you can make from kitchen wastes, leaves, etc; and that the Spider Plant is

what your cat loves to eat, costs little and produces several baby plants which you can gift to

a friend.

Ornamental cabbages were on show.

Pepperomias, Rex Begonias, ivy, bougainvillaea, chrysanthemums, fittonias were the other

attractions. For growing herbal garden, contact Medplan Conservatory Society on Ph:

28565873. The Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, which promotes

medicinal plants, can be contacted on Ph: 26576733. New biopesticides are available with the

Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR). Ph: 28466420.

IN i0100201 : Floriculture/Plant Nurseries | ireest : Real Estate | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i01002

: Horticulture | icre : Construction/Real Estate

NS glife : Living/Lifestyle | gcat : Political/General News


AN Document THINDU0020060127e21s0002u


SE REGIONAL

HD Alternative plans to tide over drought : YSR


WC 253 words

PD 27 January 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 02

LA English


LP Chief Minister inaugurates five-day Horticulture Trade Fair in Hyderabad

TD Move to take up pongamia plantation in 50 lakh acres over three years Rs. 100 crore granted

by Horticulture Mission A total of 170 stalls have been set up at the fair in which several

States are participating Government is determined to take up alternative development

strategies to tide over the drought situation, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy said here

on Wednesday. Inaugurating the five-day Horticulture Trade Fair-2006 at People's Plaza,

Neckla ce Road, he said horticulture crops would enable farmers to earn more, recalling their

income was meagre due to lack of marketing facilities for traditional produce. Assistance Dr.

Reddy said Government had secured Rs. 100-crore assistance from the Horticulture Mission

and would use it to increase the horticulture crop area in the State. Government was planning

to take up pongamia plantation in 50 lakh acres over three years with projected yields valued

between Rs. 8,000 - Rs. 10,000 an acre after ten years. Ministers--N. Raghuveera Reddy and

S. Vijayarama Raju--officials of the Horticulture Department, which is organising the fair, and

a large number of farmers attended the inaugural. The fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Anil Punita, Director-Horticulture said there were 170 stalls in which Goa, Karnataka,

Maharashtra, J&K, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal were participating. Israel and Taiwan too have

set up their stalls.


NS gdroug : Drought | gcat : Political/General News | gdis : Disasters/Accidents | gntdis : Natural

Disasters/Catastrophes | grisk : Risk News | gwea : Weather




AN Document THINDU0020060126e21r0003r


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Alternative plans to tide over drought: YSR


WC 241 words

PD 26 January 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 05

LA English


LP Horticulture Trade Fair opened

TD Move to take up pongamia plantation in 50 lakh acres over three years A total of 170 stalls

have been set up at the fair in which several States are participating Government is

determined to take up alternative development strategies to tide over the drought situation,

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy said here on Wednesday. Inaugurating the five-day

Horticulture Trade Fair-2006 at People's Plaza, Neckla ce Road, he said horticulture crops

would enable farmers to earn more, recalling their income was meagre due to lack of

marketing facilities for traditional produce. Assistance Dr. Reddy said Government had

secured Rs. 100-crore assistance from the Horticulture Mission and would use it to increase

the horticulture crop area in the State. Government was planning to take up pongamia

plantation in 50 lakh acres over three years with projected yields valued between Rs. 8,000 -

Rs. 10,000 an acre after ten years. Ministers--N. Raghuveera Reddy and S. Vijayarama Raju-

-officials of the Horticulture Department, which is organising the fair, and a large number of

farmers attended the inaugural. The fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Anil Punita,

Director-Horticulture said there were 170 stalls in which Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, J&K,

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal were participating. Israel and Taiwan too have set up their stalls.

IN i01002 : Horticulture | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry







AN Document THINDU0020060125e21q000az


SE OPINION

HD National mission on bio-diesel

WC 327 words

PD 26 January 2006


SC BSNLNE

PG 10

LA English


LP This is with reference to, "National mission on bio-diesel gets Plan panel approval : To be

implemented in two phases," (Business Line, January 19). ,

The Rural Development Ministry, will be the nodal Ministry for implementing the bio-diesel

mission. The production of bio-diesel from jatropha seeds and pongamia seeds is being

experimented with in several States such as Chattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The Government has been rather sluggish in its attitude towards the framing of the bio-diesel

policy.

TD The Petroleum Ministry has fixed the basic purchase price of bio-diesel at Rs 25 per litre; it

has prescribed that the fuel quality should be certified by the Bureau of Industrial Standards

from January 1.The Petroleum Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Iyer, it appears, has not studied the

availability of feedstock of jatropha, pongamia oil or any non-edible oil. The Union Minister

should first consult the respective State Governments, agricultural departments and

renewable energy departments of these States.

Everybody will agree that there is no feedstock and so fixing the basic price at Rs 25 could

destroy the budding bio-diesel industry. The Government of India should revise the bio-diesel

purchase policy immediately, otherwise no farmer will cultivate jatropha.

S. A. Alagarsamy ,


Member, Biodiesel Core Committee

***

With the escalating cost of crude oil in the international market and India importing 70 per cent

of its oil requirement, it has become imperative to find alternative sources of energy. Among

other conventional sources, bio-diesel is a promising alternative. The government should take

necessary steps to implement it fast. The advantage is that jatropha and karanjia could be

grown in arid or semi-arid regions. Plans for extensive cultivation of these plants in Andhra

Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Chattisgarh are promising.

A. Jacob Sahayam,

Thiruvananthapuram ,


NS nedc : Commentary/Opinion | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpex : FC&E





AN Document BSNLNE0020060125e21q0001t


HD Mysore firm to produce biodiesel ; A $10 million biodiesel production facility and an

international Jatropha...

BY Our Correspondent Mysore

WC 516 words

PD 23 January 2006

SN Business Standard

SC BSTN

PG 5

LA English

CY (c) 2006 Business Standard Ltd.

LP A $10 million biodiesel production facility and an international Jatropha technology centre will

be set up in Mysore.

A joint venture of the US-based Biodiesel Industries and Mysore-based Labland Biotech, the

MoU was signed in Mysore on January 16 for the two projects on a 25-acre land.

TD The biodiesel production facility will be a model one, its technology based on the recently-

patented Biodiesel Industries Modular Production Unit (MPU). It is expected to have the

capacity to produce 10 million litres per year. The technology centre will be a state-of-the-art

R&D facility.

"It is the first jatropha facility in the country. Besides jatropha, the US-patented equipment will

have the facility to extract biodiesel from any oil seed," Labland Biotech managing director

Sudheer A Shetty told Business Standard.

"While the R&D facility will start functioning in about six months, the production facility will be

ready for commercial production by December," he said. installation of equipment and

recruitment of staff are to be completed by April-May," he said.

"The venture will be the first truly-integrated biodiesel project in India, which includes all

aspects of jatropha research, development and cultivation, together with processing


equipment for extracting the oils and converting it into biodiesel, meeting strict international

standards," said Labland Executive Director (R&D) Geetaa Singh.

The advantage of the new MPU design of the oil refinery is faster and less expensive to

prefabricate biodiesel production equipment at a central location and then install it in the area

from where it will be operated. The MPUs are designed such that it can be transported by

truck, rail or ship anywhere in the world.

It is estimated that one biodiesel production facility based on the Biodiesel Industries' MPU

will provide jobs for over 20,000 families of farmers.

Another key feature of the MPU is that it can process a wide variety of feedstock into

biodiesel, meeting the most stringent of US. and international standards. The feedstock could

be virgin, crude and recycled vegetable oils and animal fats, such as soy, canola, mustard,

rapeseed, fruit piths, cotton, palm, coconut, jatropha, neem, pongamia, hog fat, poultry fat,

beef tallow, fish oil, recycled fryer oil and grease trap materials.

"The Indian government is very supportive of biodiesel project development and is making 1

lakh hectares of land available for growing jatropha. It is important that when these lands are

planted with jatropha that it be done in a sustainable and socially responsible manner, which

is why this collaboration with Labland is so important," said president & founder of Biodiesel

Industries Russell Teall, after signing the MoU.

"The ingenuity of Indian farmers has given us a plethora of superior jatropha varieties with

which to work. We have been comparing varieties from all over India, as well as other parts of

the world, and believe we are developing the next generation of jatropha for helping India

become fossil fuel energy independent," added Shetty.


NS c24 : Capacity/Facilities | c184 : Joint Ventures | c18 : Ownership Changes | ccat :

Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E

Industry News Filter



PUB Business Standard Limited (India)

AN Document BSTN000020060122e21n0000y


HD Mysore firm to produce biodiesel ; A $10 million biodiesel production facility and an

international Jatropha...

BY Our Correspondent Mysore

WC 391 words

PD 23 January 2006


SC BSTN

PG 4

LA English


LP A $10 million biodiesel production facility and an international Jatropha technology centre will

be set up in Mysore.

A joint venture of the US-based Biodiesel Industries and Mysore-based Labland Biotech, the

MoU was signed in Mysore on January 16 for the two projects on a 25-acre land.

TD The biodiesel production facility will be a model one, its technology based on the recently-

patented Biodiesel Industries Modular Production Unit (MPU).

It is expected to have the capacity to produce 10 million litres per year. The technology centre

will be a state-of-the-art R&D facility.

"It is the first facility on jatropha in the country. Besides jatropha, the US-patented equipment

will have the facility to extract biodiesel from any oil seed," Labland Biotech managing director

Sudheer A Shetty told Business Standard.

"While the R&D facility will start functioning in about six months, the production facility will be

ready for commercial production by December, installation of equipment and recruitment of

staff are to be completed by April-May," he said.

"The venture will be the first truly-integrated biodiesel project in India, which includes all


aspects of jatropha research, development and cultivation, together with processing

equipment for extracting the oils aational standards. The feedstock could be virgin, crude and

recycled vegetable oils and animal fats, such as soy, canola, mustard, rapeseed, fruit piths,

cotton, palm, coconut, jatropha, neem, pongamia, hog fat, poultry fat, beef tallow, fish oil,

recycled fryer oil and grease trap materials.

"The Indian government is very supportive of biodiesel project development and is making 1

lakh hectares of land available for growing jatropha. It is important that when these lands are

planted with jatropha that it be done in a sustainable and socially responsible manner, which

is why this collaboration with Labland is so important," said president & founder of Biodiesel

Industries Russell Teall, after signing the MoU."The ingenuity of Indian farmers has given us a

plethora of superior jatropha varieties with which to work. We have been comparing varieties

from all over India, as well as other parts of the world, and believe we are developing the next

generation of jatropha for helping India become fossil fuel energy independent," added Shetty.


NS c184 : Joint Ventures | c24 : Capacity/Facilities | c18 : Ownership Changes | ccat :






AN Document BSTN000020060122e21n0000o


SE REGIONAL

HD Food assurance scheme launch on Feb. 2

BY Staff Reporter

WC 274 words

PD 22 January 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Collector's directive to officials

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy will launch the Food Assurance programme from the

backward Kangti mandal of Medak district on February 2.

TD District Collector B. Venkatesam announced this at an orientation programme for district and

divisional-level officers on Saturday.

The Collector directed them to submit proposals of works to be undertaken providing 100

days of employment for each family on or before February 14.

While the programme should be implemented from April, Medak district has decided to begin

works in certain places on a trial basis.

The Collector said that Rs. 5 crores rupees have been released for this purpose.

He directed them to undertake 75 per cent of works identified at the village panchayat level,

15 in mandal level and 10 under Zilla Parishad level.


The Collector cautioned officials not to undertake CC works and resist from hiring machines to

complete the works.

He warned of penal action against such officers.

In all more than 2 lakh new accounts would be opened in 164 banks and 700 post offices in

the district to deposit the amounts of the beneficiaries.

Competerisation

Work on setting up computers in each mandal headquarters would begin from February 15.

Two computers, operators and a programme officer would monitor the works.

The Collector wanted to utilise the employment assurance programme to complete the

targeted plantation of Pongamia saplings in more than 1.5 lakh acres in the district.

Joint Collector Vani Mohan, Indira Kranthi Patham Director J.Murali, ZP CEO Chennaiah,

DRO Prakash and RDO Sangareddy Rammurty also participated in the meeting.

NS gjob : Labor Issues | gcat : Political/General News | gcom : Society/Community/Work




AN Document THINDU0020060121e21m00071


SE REGIONAL

HD Multiple-feed bio-diesel plant to be set up in Mysore

BY Staff Correspondent

WC 650 words

PD 19 January 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 05

LA English


LP It will have the capacity to produce ten million litres a year

TD The proposed plant is an Indo-U.S. venture It will be able to process a wide variety of

feedstock into bio-diesel fuel India's first multiple-feed bio-diesel plant with a capacity to

produce ten million litres annually will shortly be set up in Mysore under an Indo-U.S. venture.

It will have the capacity to process a wide variety of feedstock including neem, jatropha and

honge into bio-diesel fuel that can meet international standards. Deal Officials from California-

based Biodiesel Industries Inc., who visited Mysore on Monday, clinched a deal with Labland

Biotech, a company engaged in tissue culture of elite jatropha clones to set up a Rs. 45-crore

model bio-diesel production facility. "It may take us two months to start work. By the end of

this year, bio-diesel production will start", President of Biodiesel Industries Inc, Russell Teall

told The Hindu . The two companies are also coming together to start an International Centre

for Jatropha Technology at the same facility. It will focus on research and development of

jatropha hybrids. The project will come up on 25 hectares of land in the vicinity of Mysore and

provide employment to nearly 400 people, said Managing Director of Labland Biotech

Sudheer A. Shetty. "This venture will be the first truly integrated bio-diesel project in India,

which includes all aspects of jatropha research, development and cultivation, together with

processing equipment for extracting oil and converting them to meeting strict international

standards", he said. Main feature The main feature of the recently patented oil refinery to be


set up by Biodiesel Industries Inc. is its ability to process into bio-diesel a wide range of

feedstock that includes virgin, crude and recycled vegetable oils and animal fats such as

soya, mustard, rapeseed, cotton, palm, jatropha, neem, pongamia (honge), coconut, poultry

fat, recycled fryer oil and grease trap materials. "The refinery will require 8,000 hectares of

jatropha cultivation. At present, jatropha is not available in required quantity in the region. We

will make do with neem and honge till then," Mr. Teall said. The technology deployed in the oil

refinery to be set up in Mysore by Biodiesel Industries is protected by patent and has already

been incorporated in four operating commercial facilities - in California, Texas and Colorado in

the U.S. and one in Australia. "The company does not sell its equipment as a standalone item,

but instead establishes joint ventures with qualified partners to own and operate bio-diesel

production and distribution in exclusive territories", Mr Teall said. Sale of bio-fuel Promoters of

the multiple-feed oil refinery in Mysore propose to sell bio-diesel to domestic consumers. Mr.

Teall was optimistic about bringing down the rate to cost of petroleum diesel if the

Government comes forward with incentives and subsidies. "Right now, the cost of producing

bio-diesel is higher than the cost at which petroleum diesel is available", he said. However,

large-scale use of bio-diesel guarantees a reduction in emission of toxic gases and India's

dependance on oil imports. Propagating cultivation Dr. Shetty said the International Centre for

Jatropha Technology seeks to propagate jatropha cultivation in the region. "Each acre of

jatropha-cultivated land will fetch the farmer Rs. 5,000 in the second year. The returns will go

on multiplying for the next five years before stabilising for the remaining 40-year-long life-cycle

of jatropha plant." He said that a refinery for processing jatropha into bio-diesel will instill

confidence in farmers to grow the crop in large numbers. "Apart from opportunities for direct

employment to about 400 people, the plant can give indirect employment to about 20,000

farmers in the region," Dr. Shetty said.

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i1 : Energy | i5010025 : Industrial Building Construction | i501 :

Building Construction | iconst : Construction | icre : Construction/Real Estate

NS c24 : Capacity/Facilities | c184 : Joint Ventures | c18 : Ownership Changes | ccat :






AN Document THINDU0020060118e21j0008z


SE STATES

HD AP Minister's call

BY Our Bureau

WC 83 words

PD 17 January 2006


SC BSNLNE

PG 19

LA English


LP HYDERABAD: The State Minister for Agriculture and Civil Supplies, Mr N. Raghuveera

Reddy, has called for turning vast stretches of wastelands into bio-diesel plantations in order

to reduce oil imports.

Addressing a gathering after launching the Òil and gas conservation fortnight' here on

Monday, he said the call for launching a second Green Revolution should, in fact, focus on

raising jatropha and pongamia. Increased bio-diesel production could help the country arrest

foreign exchange outflows.


NS c24 : Capacity/Facilities | c11 : Plans/Strategy | gvagd : Agriculture Department | ccat :

Corporate/Industrial News | gcat : Political/General News | gpir : Politics/International

Relations | gpol : Domestic Politics | gvbod : Government Bodies | gvexe : Executive Branch




AN Document BSNLNE0020060116e21h00030



SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Pareeksha Bhavan, tie-up with institutes priorities of new VC

BY Raviprasad Kamila

WC 572 words

PD 13 January 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP Kaveriappa is the first faculty member of the university to become Vice-Chancellor

TD University to introduce postgraduate course in biotechnology from 2006-07 Workshops to be

organised involving farmers and experts in rainwater harvesting 400-metre track to be laid on

the university campus; sports to get importance The construction of a "Pareeksha Bhavan"

and an auditorium at Mangalagangotri, entering into tie-ups with noted research institutes for

collaborative research, and bridging the gap between the university and farmers by holding

workshops are the priorities of K.M. Kaveriappa, who assumed charge as the Vice-Chancellor

of Mangalore University here on Thursday. Prof. Kaveriappa earlier headed the Department of

Applied Botany, Mangalore University. He is the first faculty member of the university to rise to

the position of Vice-Chancellor. He joined the university in 1971 as a lecturer in the

Department of Biosciences. At that time, Mangalore University had not come into existence

and the post-graduation centre at Mangalagangotri was under Mysore University. Prof.

Kaveriappa has also served as Registrar of the university for 12 years and Deputy-Registrar

for a year. In an informal chat with The Hindu at Mangalagangotri after he took charge from

the Acting Vice-Chancellor, B. Thimme Gowda, Prof. Kaveriappa said the university is

planning to introduce a postgraduate course in biotechnology at the university campus from

the academic year 2006-07. Though a private aided college in Mangalore city is offering the

course, the intention behind the university introducing the course is to make it affordable to


poor students, he added. Though the course will be a self-financing one, the fees will be

reasonable. He said there is a plan to introduce the M.Ed. course, keeping in mind the

number of students passing with B.Ed. degrees. Attempts will be made to attract foreign

students to the university to courses such as M.Sc. in Yogic Sciences. Farmers Prof.

Kaveriappa said the university cannot remain isolated from people, especially farmers. It has

been planned to arrange workshops and interactive meetings with farmers and experts in

rainwater harvesting. Workshops and lectures will also be organised to popularise the

cultivation of crops that yield bio-fuel, he said. It has been found that extracts of jathropa and

pongamia (honge) can be used to produce bio-fuel. Promoting their use will help reduce

pollution. Also, farmers cultivating them will benefit as it will bring them income, he said. Prof.

Kaveriappa said that at present, the university conducts its valuation work at three city-based

colleges. There is a need to construct a "Pareeksha Bhavan" to house all examination-related

sections. An auditorium is another necessity, he added. Prof. Kaveriappa said a 400-metre

track will be laid on the university campus. Semester scheme Asked about the plan to

introduce semester scheme for degree courses, he said the university has plans to introduce

the credit-based semester scheme soon. Under this scheme, a student will be given grades

as well as the percentage of marks he has received. The Association of Mangalore University

College Teachers has prepared a framework for the same and placed it before the university.

After framing regulations, it will be placed before the decision-making bodies of the university

and forwarded to the Government, he added. "I am hopeful of sending it to the Government in

four months."

NS gedu : Education | gcat : Political/General News


AN Document THINDU0020060112e21d000aw


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Stress on rural employment guarantee scheme


WC 348 words

PD 12 January 2006

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 05

LA English


LP Collectors must pay allowance to the families not allotted work, says YSR

TD Says Collectors will be held accountable if eligible households were not provided work No

compromise in implementation of the scheme Scheme is the right of commoners and rural

artisans Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy cautioned Collectors that the State

Government would strictly monitor how they implement the Andhra Pradesh Rural

Employment Guarantee scheme to be launched in 13 districts on February 2. Participating in

a videoconference with the Collectors of these districts on Wednesday, Dr. Reddy said they

would be held accountable if eligible households were not provided work under the scheme

during the lean season. In the event of failure to allot work, the Collectors must pay the

families unemployment allowance as provided in the scheme. Major promise Dr. Reddy

reminded the Collectors that employment guarantee was a major election promise of the UPA

and there would be no compromise in its implementation. He warned the Collectors against

misappropriation or squandering of funds. Responding to an observation by Kadapa Collector

G. Asok Kumar, Dr. Reddy said party affiliations would not be allowed to stand in the way of

implementing the scheme. He told the Chittoor Collector that the scheme was the right of

commoners and rural artisans and the Government would not tolerate if this right was taken

away. Pongamia plantation He asked the Anantapur Collector to be ready with a programme

to take up pongamia plantation over an area of 1 lakh acres by July. The Chief Minister asked


all the Collectors and senior officials to attend the pre-launch workshop here on January 16.

He wanted a festive atmosphere to prevail in villages when the gram sabhas connected with

the launch were held from February 2 to 4. He wanted awareness programmes be continued

till February 4 and scheme details shared with people. 15 lakh families to gain Nearly 15 lakh

rural families are expected to benefit earning some Rs. 8,000 a year from the Andhra Pradesh

Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.

NS greg : Regional Politics | gjob : Labor Issues | gcat : Political/General News | gcom :

Society/Community/Work | gpir : Politics/International Relations | gpol : Domestic Politics




AN Document THINDU0020060111e21c000gi


SE HyderabadTimes

HD Straight Answers

WC 294 words

PD 3 January 2006


SC TOI

LA English


LP Captain J Rama Rao Chairman, energy conservation mission on new initiatives.

'The use of bio-diesel will catch on in AP'

TD What are the new initiatives of the Energy Conservation Mission (ECM)?

With the help of the state government and the forest department, we've identified 200 acres of

land at Gadwal in Mahboobnagar for pongamia plantation.

And in July 2005, we started pongamia plantation in 20 acres of land. After three years, its

seeds will be crushed and the oil extracted can be used as bio diesel. By 2006, we should be

able to plant pongamia in the remaining 180 acres.

This bio diesel is being used on an experimental basis by the RTC now and I'm sure that the

use of bio-diesel will catch on in the rest of the state as well. Many people are now using

pongamia in Adilabad.

...

...

How can we benefit with right practices of energy conservation?


Even if we can save one per cent energy, it will benefit us a lot. For instance, one per cent

electrical energy saved in Andhra Pradesh will mean Rs 125 crore additional revenue for the

state.

This also means saving 4,20,000 tonnes of coal. Energy can be saved by following small

measures like switching off the tap when water is not required.

Turning off the lights during the day and other such measures help. We are bringing out a

New Year calendar highlighting the tips.

What is the role of ECM?

...

...

ECM focuses on creating awareness about energy resources, impact of mindless

consumption of energy and the interrelation between energy and the environment.

ECM supports in conducting energy audits in various sectors, and imparts information

collected from various resources for the benefit of people.

NS gcat : Political/General News




AN Document TOI0000020060102e2130000x


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Green Fuel Revolution answer to energy shortage?


WC 427 words

PD 22 December 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 08

LA English


LP Energy can be harnessed from biomass, says expert

TD Can meet energy requirements; protects the environment; saves foreign exchange It can

create 60 million jobs Crop residue could annually generate 15,000 MW energy After the

success story of the "Green Revolution," it is time to focus on creating a "Green Fuel

Revolution" to meet the increasing demand for fuel. This could be done by harnessing energy

from biomass, including crop residue. Scientists and researchers should, therefore,

concentrate on tapping this source to fulfil the country's energy requirements, protect the

environment and to save foreign exchange, said H.S. Mukunda, Adviser, Combustion

Gasification Propulsion Laboratory, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He was speaking

at the 19th national conference on "Internal combustion engines and combustion" organised

by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of Annamalai University at Chidambaram on

Wednesday. Foreign exchange outgo Mr. Mukunda said the foreign exchange outgo for the

import of fossil fuel such as diesel and gasoline was a staggering Rs. 1,50,000 crore a year,

that was a great strain on the country's economy. Hence, there was a compelling need to

adopt alternative fuel such as biomass oil and non-edible oils. Wasteland holds promise The

vast expanse of wasteland in the country, measuring over 30-40 million hectares, could yield

a substantial quantum of bio-fuel if plant species such as pongamia and jetropa were raised

on it. It also had a potential for creating 60 million jobs. Mr. Mukunda said the country


produced 600 million tonnes of crop residue a year that was capable of generating 15,000

MW of energy. This crop residue was otherwise burnt in two phases— September to

November, and, December to January. It was claimed by the developed countries that the

soot from the incineration of crop residue caused more harm to the atmosphere than carbon

dioxide. The soot particles became nucleates and influenced monsoons. In such

circumstances, Mr. Mukunda called upon the Combustion Institute, Indian chapter, scientists

and researchers to focus on evolving economically meaningful methods for harnessing bio-

fuel. User-friendly devices He also stressed the need for inventing user-friendly devices (for

bio-fuel) that would have higher fuel efficiency and lesser emission level than conventional

combustion engines. The others who spoke on the occasion included V.K. Saraswat, Chief

Controller, Research and Development (Missiles and Strategic Systems), Registrar M.

Rathinasabapathi, Dean of Engineering Faculty B. Palaniappan, Head of Mechanical

Engineering Department G. Kamaraj and organising secretary C.G. Saravanan.




AN Document THINDU0020051221e1cm000ix


HD BIO-DIESEL: FROM FIELD TO WHEEL (an effective alternative for petroleu based fuels)

CR BIOSPECTRUM. Nov, 2005; vol. 3 ; iss. 11 pg 34-38

WC 562 words

PD 30 November 2005


SC WIBI

LA English


LP Bio-diesel of late is working out to be an effective alternative for petroleum based fuels used

in automobile industry. On 9 Oct 2005, Government of India unveiled a bio-diesel policy which

effects purchase of bio-diesel by oil marketing companies at Rs25/lt (inclusive of taxes/duties

and transportation) effective from 1 Jan 2006 at 20 purchase centres in 12 states of India.

However, suppliers of bio-diesel should be able to supply a minimum of 10,000 lt/tanker,

confirm to BIS specifications, and are required to register themselves with state level

coordinator of oil companies. These purchase centres will blend bio-diesel up to a maximum

of 5% based on its availability. This bio-diesel blending is envisaged through a large-scale

cultivation of Jatropha plant in the country.

TD Recently, 15 village panchayats of Faridabad and Mewat have inked a MoU with a private

company and Indian Oil Corp (IOC), under which farmers will cultivate Jatropha plants initially

on 1000 acres of land for the private company, which in turn will sell Jatropha oil at a

minimum price of Rs25/lt. The policy aims to bring about 1 M hectares of land under Jatropha

cultivation in the next few years from 2005. Automobile companies like Daimler-Chrysler, Tata

Motors Ltd have been conducting trial runs with bio-diesel and also doing R and D work in

process technology in this field. Some private companies have come forward in planting

Jatropha and setting up bio-diesel facilities. Southern Online BioTechnologies of Hyderabad

plans to commission a 10,000 tonnes/y bio-diesel plant in Andhra Pradesh. The company is

ready to conduct test trials and commercialise bio-diesel by 1Q 2006. Likewise, the

multinational company D1 Oils plans to set up a $2 M, 8000 tonnes/y refinery in Chennai for

production of bio-diesel by 2007. D1 Oils has already started large-scale Jatropha cultivation

in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh. It aims to cultivate 5 M hectares of land


under Jatropha and produce 2.7 M tonnes of oil/hectare by 2010. It has also entered into a

partnership with Labland Biotech, a plant biotech firm based in Mysore, to produce 100 M

tissue culture-derived Jatropha plants. Ankleshwar based Gujarat Oleo Chem has

successfully commercialised bio-diesel production from vegetable feedstock, IOC being the

recipient of the first commercial consignment of the company. The company has embarked on

an expansion of its existing bio-diesel capacity of 100 tonnes/day to 1 M tonnes/y by 2007.

Many state governments have designated nodal agencies for development of bio-diesel and

have announced bio-diesel policies. Uttaranchal Bio-fuel Board has initiated plantation of

Jatropha in 10,000 hectares in 2005. Chattisgarh has also planted 80 M saplings of Jatropha

on 16,000 hectares and 33 M Pongamia saplings. Other states have also followed suit. The

use of bio-diesel will have significant impact on India's imports of crude oil, as it imports 70%

of requirement. In 2004, India's crude oil import was over Rs1200 bn. Even if 1% of import is

substituted with bio-diesel, it would be worth about Rs120 bn/y at oil prices of 2004.

RF ABSTRACT|MONTHLY

CO dooil : D1 Oils PLC | ioc : Indian Oil Corporation Ltd | telco : Tata Motors Limited | tata : Tata

Group

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural Gas | imet : Metals/Mining | i1 : Energy | i14 :

Petroleum/Coal Products | i14001 : Petroleum Refining | ialtful : Alternative Fuels | iaut :

Automobiles | ibioful : Biofuels





Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Products-and-services


AN Document WIBI000020060102e1bu000ko


HD Rs5,000 CR BIO DIESEL PROJECT (for cultivation of bio-diesel plants in over 50 lakh acres

of land)

CR INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY. Nov 30, 2005; pg 18

WC 97 words

PD 30 November 2005


SC WIBI

LA English


LP The Government of Andhra Pradesh is investing Rs5,000 crore in facilitating large-scale

cultivation of bio-diesel plants like Jatropa and pongamia in over 50 lakh acres of land. The

investment will be over a period of three years. Its objective is to get a sustainable income for

the farmers in 22 districts of the State. The Government will also be able to implement the

employment guarantee programme.

RF ABSTRACT|OTHERS


NS mntdbt : National Government Debt/Bond Markets | nabst : Abstract | m12 : Debt/Bond

Markets | mcat : Commodity/Financial Market News | mgvdbt : Government Debt/Bond

Markets | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfce : FC&E Exclusion Filter



IPD Field-crops-other-0139000000 | Fireplace-logs-and-fuel-briquettes-299962.000 | Agriculture-

Horticulture-And-Forestry | Mining-Minerals-and-Metallurgy | Oil-And-Natural-Gas |

Government-borrowing-revenue-and-expenditure


AN Document WIBI000020051223e1bu0005n


SE REGIONAL

HD YSR hints at more sops to farmers


WC 427 words

PD 30 November 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 04

LA English


LP Free land for setting up rural development training institutes

TD Lauds credit flow to agriculture Asks banks to step up lending to rural artisans Banks lagging

behind in agricultural term loans, says Rosaiah Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has

hinted that the Government might consider extending interest subsidy on loans to small

farmers after the fiscal situation improved. Addressing the 156th State-Level Bankers'

Committee meeting here on Tuesday, he said Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy was

keen that such a facility was given to small farmers. It was not that easy to extend all

concessions at the same time, but they would be considered at "appropriate time" in next few

years, he said. He pointed out that the three per cent interest concession given to self-help

groups had enabled them to repay loans promptly. Referring to this year's lending target of

Rs. 2,200 crores fixed for SHGs, Dr. Reddy said he was not happy with what was achieved in

the first six months. While lauding bankers for lending Rs. 8,661.35 crores and exceeding the

kharif target of Rs. 8,650 crores, he asked officials to ensure that foolproof pattedar

passbooks were issued to farmers. Action should be taken if anybody produced a fake

passbook. He told bankers to step up lending for horticulture, rural artisans and the welfare

corporations of SCs, STs, BCs and minorities. Jatropha and pongamia The Chief Minister

said cultivation of jatropha and pongamia was proposed to be taken up in one lakh acres each

in 13 districts under the National Rural Employment Guarantee programme. He urged


bankers to lend in a big way to the scheme. Dr. Reddy announced free allotment of land to

banks for setting up rural development training institutes. Finance Minister K. Rosaiah pointed

out that banks were lagging behind in some areas like agricultural term loans and lending

under the Indira Kranthi Patham. He assured Government help in recoveries if banks

submitted specific proposals. Rural Development Minister D. Srinivas spoke. Target achieved

K.Ramakrishnan, SLBC president, said this was the first time that crop loan target for kharif

had been achieved. An amount of Rs. 4,639 crores had been earmarked for rabi, including

sugarcane and commercial crops. Agricultural advances in the State till September-end stood

at Rs.23,717 crores. He asked banks to finance projects under the "Adarsagramam" scheme

and urged the Government to set up a State-level Rural Development Institute with five lead

banks to train unemployed youth.


NS c341 : Government Aid | c13 : Regulation/Government Policy | c34 : Competition Issues | ccat

: Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E





AN Document THINDU0020051129e1bu000aj


SE STATES

HD AP mulls subsidy on interest on loans to marginal farmers

BY Our Bureau

WC 503 words

PD 30 November 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 19

LA English


LP Hyderabad , Nov 29

AFTER offering subsidy on interest on loans given to self-help groups (SHGs), the Andhra

Pradesh Government is now considering extending the same facility to the small and marginal

farmers.

TD Announcing this at the 156th SLBC (State Level Bankers' Committee) meeting here on

Tuesday the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said the Government would consider

implementing this in the next two to three years when the financial position of the State

improved.

He said that the interest subsidy of three per cent had helped SHGs in repaying their loans.

The Chief Minister said the Government would develop 13 lakh acres of biodiesel plantation in

13 districts. The department was working on a plan to promote pongamia, as it didn't require

water to grow. In the next years, the Government would like to take bio-diesel plantation in a

total area of 51 lakh acres.

The Chief Minister has agreed to give land free of cost to the banks in setting up rural training


institutes in districts. He directed the officials to do the needful in this regard.

For the first time, the banks could achieve the crop loan targets set for the kharif season

(2005). As against the target of Rs 8650 crore banks disbursed Rs 8661.35 crore.

Overall, as against the Annual Credit Plan target of Rs 28600 crore for 2005-06 the banks lent

Rs 18374 crore achieving 64.24 per cent of the target at the end of October 2005.

Mr K. Rosaiah, Minister for Finance and Health expressed unhappiness over lower term loan

disbursements for agriculture.

Responding to an appeal by the bankers that the Government should help them in recovering

loans, the Minister asked them to come out with a specific plan. "We will certainly look into it

as recoveries are also of our concern and responsibility," he said.

Mr K. Ramakrishnan, President of SLBC and Chairman and Managing Director of Andhra

Bank said banks in the State had been writing off the small loans affecting further lending to

them. He asked the Government to appoint officers with necessary powers to ensure proper

recovery. "This will help small borrowers back access bank credit" he said.

The Andhra Bank Chairman said cluster-based approach for financing SME (small and

medium enterprises) would mean reduction of transaction costs and mitigation of risk. "Cluster

based financing would be a thrust area," he said and asked the Government to identify and

train entrepreneurs to take up schemes under special clusters.

"Banks will provide adequate credit to these entrepreneurs. Each lead bank in a district will

consider adoption of at least one such cluster," he assured.

The SLBC President asked the Government to simplify the procedure for mortgaging

agricultural land by farmers to encourage them in taking up developmental schemes. It is also

necessary to evolve a simplified and legal-free procedure for extending finance to the farmers

cultivating temple lands on lease.

NS c341 : Government Aid | c13 : Regulation/Government Policy | c34 : Competition Issues | ccat

: Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpin : FC&E






AN Document BSNLNE0020051129e1bu0005l


HD Bio-diesel: From field to wheel.

WC 555 words

PD 30 November 2005

SN Biospectrum

SC BIOSP

PG 34-38

VOL 3

LA English

CY (c) 2005 Elsevier Engineering Information www.ei.org

LP Bio-diesel of late is working out to be an effective alternative for petroleum based fuels used

in automobile industry. On 9 Oct 2005, Government of India unveiled a bio-diesel policy which

effects purchase of bio-diesel by oil marketing companies at Rup 25/lt (inclusive of

taxes/duties and transportation) effective from 1 Jan 2006 at 20 purchase centres in 12 states

of India. However, suppliers of bio-diesel should be able to supply a minimum of 10,000

lt/tanker, confirm to BIS specifications, and are required to register themselves with state level

coordinator of oil companies. These purchase centres will blend bio-diesel up to a maximum

of 5% based on its availability. This bio-diesel blending is envisaged through a large-scale

cultivation of Jatropha plant in the country.

TD Recently, 15 village panchayats of Faridabad and Mewat have inked a MoU with a private

company and Indian Oil Corp (IOC), under which farmers will cultivate Jatropha plants initially

on 1000 acres of land for the private company, which in turn will sell Jatropha oil at a

minimum price of Rup 25/lt. The policy aims to bring about 1 M hectares of land under

Jatropha cultivation in the next few years from 2005. Automobile companies like Daimler-

Chrysler, Tata Motors Ltd have been conducting trial runs with bio-diesel and also doing R&D

work in process technology in this field. Some private companies have come forward in

planting Jatropha and setting up bio-diesel facilities. Southern Online BioTechnologies of

Hyderabad plans to commission a 10,000 tonnes/y bio-diesel plant in Andhra Pradesh. The

company is ready to conduct test trials and commercialise bio-diesel by 1Q 2006. Likewise,

the multinational company D1 Oils plans to set up a $2 M, 8000 tonnes/y refinery in Chennai

for production of bio-diesel by 2007. D1 Oils has already started large-scale Jatropha

cultivation in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh. It aims to cultivate 5 M hectares

of land under Jatropha and produce 2.7 M tonnes of oil/hectare by 2010. It has also entered


into a partnership with Labland Biotech, a plant biotech firm based in Mysore, to produce 100

M tissue culture-derived Jatropha plants. Ankleshwar based Gujarat Oleo Chem has

successfully commercialised bio-diesel production from vegetable feedstock, IOC being the

recipient of the first commercial consignment of the company. The company has embarked on

an expansion of its existing bio-diesel capacity of 100 tonnes/day to 1 M tonnes/y by 2007.

Many state governments have designated nodal agencies for development of bio-diesel and

have announced bio-diesel policies. Uttaranchal Bio-fuel Board has initiated plantation of

Jatropha in 10,000 hectares in 2005. Chattisgarh has also planted 80 M saplings of Jatropha

on 16,000 hectares and 33 M Pongamia saplings. Other states have also followed suit. The

use of bio-diesel will have significant impact on India's imports of crude oil, as it imports 70%

of requirement. In 2004, India's crude oil import was over Rup 1200 bn. Even if 1% of import

is substituted with bio-diesel, it would be worth about Rup 120 bn/y at oil prices of 2004.

BioSpectrum Vol. 3 No. 11

CO dooil : D1 Oils PLC | ioc : Indian Oil Corporation Ltd | telco : Tata Motors Limited | tata : Tata

Group

IN i1 : Energy | i14 : Petroleum/Coal Products | i14001 : Petroleum Refining | ialtful : Alternative

Fuels | iaut : Automobiles | ibioful : Biofuels

NS c11 : Plans/Strategy | c23 : Research/Development | c24 : Capacity/Facilities | ceffic :

Corporate Process Redesign | e512 : Physical Trade | nabst : Abstract | c41 : Management

Issues | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | e51 : Trade/External Payments | ecat : Economic




IPD 28693 Petroleum and Oil Additives

PUB Elsevier Science Ltd.

AN Document BIOSP00020051220e1bu00008


SE STATES

HD AP CM calls for measures to curb felling of trees

BY Our Bureau

WC 315 words

PD 22 November 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 19

LA English


LP Hyderabad , Nov. 21

THE Chief Minister, Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Monday called upon the Forest

Department to streamline its operations and evolve a scientific method to detect illegal felling

of trees and extend forest cover to 33 per cent.

TD Reviewing issues relating to the Department of Environment and Forests, the Chief Minister

wanted the Government machinery to step up efforts to contain deforestation, according to a

statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The Chief Minister, while suggesting a revamp of the department agreed to fill up 50 per cent

of the 97 vacant posts of Forest Range Officers immediately besides creating better

communication facilities in the forest area under the ongoing World Bank Project.

The officials had said that illegal felling could be checked through aerial surveys by installing a

device called `Lat-Long recording system' in helicopters, which pilots could operate easily.

In response to this suggestion, the Chief Minister said that the Government is considering the

option of establishing an Àviation Corporation' by adding one more helicopter. One of the


helicopters would be offered for use by the Forest and Police departments.

The Government favoured private participation for increasing afforestation by taking up

Pongamia plantation for bio-diesel production on wastelands. Since the permission of the

Union Government is needed to raise commercial plantations such as coffee and pepper in

Araku and Paderu areas of Visakhapatnam district, the Chief Minister directed the officials to

seek necessary permission that could transform barren hilly areas and improve department

revenues. This would also help the local tribals.

The Chief Minister, while questioning the hierarchy of the department suggested that there

was no need for so many officers to stay at the State headquarters. He suggested most of the

posts be transferred to the district and help achieve better results.

NS genv : Environmental News | gvbod : Government Bodies | gcat : Political/General News | gpir

: Politics/International Relations | gpol : Domestic Politics




AN Document BSNLNE0020051121e1bm0003e


HD Andhra to raise bio-diesel plants on 50 lakh acres ; The Andhra Pradesh government has

embarked upon an ambitious programme...

BY Our Regional Bureau Hyderabad

WC 640 words

PD 17 November 2005


SC BSTN

PG 8

LA English


LP The Andhra Pradesh government has embarked upon an ambitious programme to cultivate

bio-diesel plants on about 50 lakh acres of semi-fertile land across the state in the next five-

year period at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore.

In the first phase to be launched next year, bio-diesel plants, namely pongamia and jatropha,

would be raised on about 17 lakh acres at an estimated cost of Rs 1,700 crore. Two more

phases with the same extent of plantation area and cost would be followed in the next two

successive years. Each phase of the programme would be implemented in a three-year

period, which is the normal duration for the growth of the plants.

TD Announcing this here today, chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy spelt out a host of

measures to realise the grand bio-diesel programme, including the minimum support price

(MSP) _ Rs 6 per kg for both pongamia and jatropha seeds, setting up of a state-level bio-

diesel board with chief secretary as its chairman, and assistance to seed expelling units to be

set up by women self-help groups among others.

According to the chief minister, each acre of land will require about Rs 12,000 to grow the bio-

diesel plants in three years after which the plants would start yielding. About 40 per cent of

the investment would be arranged as a loan from commercial banks and the rest would be

diverted from various state and central government programmes such as National

Employment Guarantee Scheme (NEGS) and Indira Prabha (rural poverty alleviation


programme). Farmers are expected to get an income ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs

10,000 from each acre for ten years from the fourth year onwards.

At the macro level, the total expenditure for the five-year programme works out to Rs 2,200

crore as bank loans and Rs 2,800 crore as government assistance. Under the programme,

bio-diesel plantation would be taken up on one lakh acres each in the 13 districts where the

NEGS is being implemented and on 50,000 acres each in the nine non-NEGS districts, the

chief minister said.

The assistance for seed expelling units would be given to ten mandal-level SHG federations

in each of the NEGS districts and five mandal-level SHG federations in non-NEGS districts.

The financial assistance for each unit may work out to Rs 3-4 lakh.

The chief minister expressed the hope that the bio-diesel yield from 50-lakh acre plantation

would meet five per cent of the four million metric tonnes of diesel needs of the state in a

year. He said the oil extracted from these plants can be straight away mixed with ordinary

diesel at the rate of five per cent.

To encourage the immediate usage of bio-diesel, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport

Corporation (APSRTC) has been instructed to buy either seed or bio-diesel for at least one

depot in each district, the chief minister told the media. According to an estimate, four kg of

seed would yield one litre bio-diesel. Even at the rate of Rs 7 per one kg seed, the bio-diesel

would cost less than Rs 30 a litre as compared to Rs 32 per litre for ordinary diesel, officials

said.

The chief minister also said that Rs 5 crore would be earmarked in the next annual budget to

ensure the MSP for bio-diesel seeds. He said that the state Girijan Co-operative Society and

women SHGs had expressed their willingness to procure bio-diesel seed at Rs 7 per kg,

which is higher than the MSP fixed by the government.

NS gpol : Domestic Politics | gcat : Political/General News | gpir : Politics/International Relations




AN Document BSTN000020051116e1bh0002q


SE REGIONAL

HD Massive bio-diesel project launched


WC 375 words

PD 15 November 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 04

LA English


LP Chief Minister announces ambitious Rs. 5000-crore plan for taking up jatropha plantations

Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has announced an ambitious project for taking up

bio-diesel plantations of pongamia and jatropha over an extent of 51 lakh acres in the rain-

shadow areas (RSA) of the State in the next three years at an outlay of Rs. 5,000 crores.

TD To serve the twin purpose of using the wastelands to boost up the economies in RSAs and

offering bio-diesel as an alternative to diesel imported by the country at a huge cost of Rs.

1,17,000 crores annually, the project has been launched in over 36,000 acres this year using

nurseries raised last year.

The project was finalised at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to discuss steps to

safeguard the economy of the rain-shadow areas. It was decided to earmark a sum of Rs.

1,700 crores for the project in the 2006-07 budget.

A state level Bio-Diesel Board has been constituted to oversee the implementation with the

Chief Secretary as Chairman. It would be a "tripartite" activity involving the Government, the

farmer and non-governmental agencies with the Andhra Pradesh Academy of Rural

Development acting as "nodal agency".


Explaining the salient features to reporters later, Dr. Reddy said 60 per cent of the funds

required for the project would come from the National Employment Guarantee Scheme, the

watershed programme and the Indira Prabha progamme and the rest from banks.

Support price

An extent of 17 lakh acres would be brought under cultivation under the two varieties of plants

this year. The yield could be expected in the third year. One lakh acres each would be planted

in the 13 districts where the National Employment Guarantee Scheme was under

implementation and 50,00 acres each in the rest of the State.

Dr. Reddy announced a minimum support price of Rs. 5 a kg of pongamia/jatropha seeds.

The APSRTC, which had a fleet of about 20,000 buses, would be a bulk purchaser of bio-

diesel. A fund would be created with a corpus of Rs. 5 crores to ensure payment of MSP to

the farmers.

IN ibioful : Biofuels | i01001 : Agriculture | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i1 : Energy | ialtful :

Alternative Fuels






AN Document THINDU0020051114e1bf0004j


SE HLL

HD Stamp out athlete's foot problems; Good personal hygiene is key to curing this rash

WC 704 words

PD 15 November 2005

SN TODAY (Singapore)

SC TDAYSG

ED AM N PM

PG 42

LA English

CY (c) 2005. MediaCorp Press Ltd.

LP Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes a rash on the skin of the foot.

It is the most common fungal skin infection. Athlete's foot is spread easily - you can get it by

touching the affected area of a person who has it.

TD Some people are more susceptible to developing athlete's foot than others. Experts don't

know why this is so. Once you have had athlete's foot, you are more likely to get it again.

Homeopathy

As with many skin conditions, the homeopathic approach is to boost the immune system.

Rather then treating the obvious and visible symptoms, the whole constitution is treated.

Suppressing symptoms at skin level may cause the underlying imbalance to express itself

internally, said Dr Lilly Leong, a homeopath with Back II Life Pte Ltd (Chiropractic and

Homeopathic Clinic).

Tea tree oil is widely used for its anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-fungal properties.


Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a small tub of water and soak your feet in it for 10 to 15

minutes.

Vinegar in baths has also been known to help decrease fungus in infected areas.

Air out your feet as much as possible and make sure that they are dried properly after

showering. An "anti-candida" diet (a diet with no fermented food, yeast or sugar) has been

known to help people with fungal infections.

Ayurveda

There are simple herbal remedies to take care of your foot, said Dr Vikram Chauhan,

ayurvedic specialist with Orchid Pharmacare.

For instance, after washing, scrubbing your feet with warm water and completely dry them is a

good way to deal with the infection. One should also apply neem oil (margosa oil) every night.

Pongamia oil is another remedy to get rid of foot fungus. Maha marichayadi tailam - an

Ayurvedic oil available through the Internet - is also a very effective remedy.

Tea tree oil, cedar wood oil and sweet flag oil (acorus calamus oil) are other useful oils which

can be applied for fungal infections.

Modern Medicine

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a common superficial fungal skin infection seen at the National

Skin Centre (NSC), said Dr Martin Chio, a registrar with the NSC.

The fungus trichophyton rubrum is the most common cause. It may start with scaly or peeling

skin between the toes and toe-webs. It may also be itchy.

The infection may spread to the rest of the soles or toenails. It is usually associated with

smelly feet.

It commonly affects people with poor feet hygiene, with the infection affecting one foot initially.

If it is not treated promptly, it may lead to secondary bacterial infection, which may involve the

lower leg and further lead to infection of the tissues.

Investigation of suspected tinea pedis is done via microscopic examination of skin scales or


nails.

Treatment is done through application of an anti-fungal cream to the affected area two to

three times a day for three to four weeks.

It is advisable to continue to apply cream for one to two weeks after the skin appears normal.

Oral medication may be required for more extensive or severe infections.

The most common cause of non-response is poor compliance by your body. A few simple

measures can prevent it.

For example, since fungus grows where the skin is warm and moist, keep the space between

your toes dry.

Do not walk barefoot in areas where the floor is wet such as bathrooms and swimming pools

since fungus tends to be present there. Wear slippers.

Fungal infections are easily transmissible. Hence, avoid borrowing slippers or shoes as they

may be infected.

Nylon socks and shoes tend to retain sweat. Wear cotton socks to absorb the sweat or open-

toed sandals if your feet sweat profusely.

If you wear occlusive footwear such as boots over a long period, change your socks daily and

consider using a medicated foot powder. If there are poorly or slow healing sores or ulcers on

your feet, consult a doctor.

This article is for your general knowledge only. You should seek medical advice or treatment

for any condition.

IN iinfect : Anti-infectives | i257 : Pharmaceuticals | idrugty : Drugs/Medication

NS ghea : Health | gcat : Political/General News

RE singp : Singapore | asiaz : Asia | seasiaz : Southeast Asia

IPD 3528442.xml


PUB MediaCorp Press Ltd

AN Document TDAYSG0020051114e1bf0000l


HD State to raise bio-diesel plants on 50 lakh acres ; The Andhra Pradesh government has

embarked upon an ambitious programme...

BY Our Regional Bureau Hyderabad

WC 640 words

PD 15 November 2005


SC BSTN

PG 8

LA English


LP The Andhra Pradesh government has embarked upon an ambitious programme to cultivate

bio-diesel plants on about 50 lakh acres of semi-fertile land across the state in the next five-

year period at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore.

In the first phase to be launched next year, bio-diesel plants, namely pongamia and jatropha,

would be raised on about 17 lakh acres at an estimated cost of Rs 1,700 crore. Two more

phases with the same extent of plantation area and cost would be followed in the next two

successive years. Each phase of the programme would be implemented in a three-year

period, which is the normal duration for the growth of the plants.

TD Announcing this here today, chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy spelt out a host of

measures to realise the grand bio-diesel programme, including the minimum support price

(MSP) — Rs 6 per kg for both pongamia and jatropha seeds, setting up of a state-level bio-

diesel board with chief secretary as its chairman, and assistance to seed expelling units to be

set up by women self-help groups among others.

According to the chief minister, each acre of land will require about Rs 12,000 to grow the bio-

diesel plants in three years after which the plants would start yielding. About 40 per cent of

the investment would be arranged as a loan from commercial banks and the rest would be

diverted from various state and central government programmes such as National

Employment Guarantee Scheme (NEGS) and Indira Prabha (rural poverty alleviation


programme). Farmers are expected to get an income ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs

10,000 from each acre for ten years from the fourth year onwards.

At the macro level, the total expenditure for the five-year programme works out to Rs 2,200

crore as bank loans and Rs 2,800 crore as government assistance. Under the programme,

bio-diesel plantation would be taken up on one lakh acres each in the 13 districts where the

NEGS is being implemented and on 50,000 acres each in the nine non-NEGS districts, the

chief minister said.

The assistance for seed expelling units would be given to ten mandal-level SHG federations

in each of the NEGS districts and five mandal-level SHG federations in non-NEGS districts.

The financial assistance for each unit may work out to Rs 3-4 lakh.

The chief minister expressed the hope that the bio-diesel yield from 50-lakh acre plantation

would meet five per cent of the four million metric tonnes of diesel needs of the state in a

year. He said the oil extracted from these plants can be straight away mixed with ordinary

diesel at the rate of five per cent.

To encourage the immediate usage of bio-diesel, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport

Corporation (APSRTC) has been instructed to buy either seed or bio-diesel for at least one

depot in each district, the chief minister told the media. According to an estimate, four kg of

seed would yield one litre bio-diesel. Even at the rate of Rs 7 per one kg seed, the bio-diesel

would cost less than Rs 30 a litre as compared to Rs 32 per litre for ordinary diesel, officials

said.

The chief minister also said that Rs 5 crore would be earmarked in the next annual budget to

ensure the MSP for bio-diesel seeds. He said that the state Girijan Co-operative Society and

women SHGs had expressed their willingness to procure bio-diesel seed at Rs 7 per kg,

which is higher than the MSP fixed by the government.







AN Document BSTN000020051114e1bf0001b



SE STATES

HD AP plans Rs 5,000-cr bio-diesel plantation project

BY Our Bureau

WC 451 words

PD 15 November 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 19

LA English


LP Hyderabad , Nov. 14

THE State Government has decided to facilitate large-scale cultivation of bio-diesel plants

such as jatropa and pongamia in over 50 lakh acres at an investment of around Rs 5,000

crore over the next three years.

TD The move is aimed at ensuring a sustainable income for farmers in the arid areas and to

effectively implement the rural employment guarantee programme.

Announcing this here on Monday, the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said the

Government proposes to contribute around 60 per cent of the cost, about Rs 2,800 crore,

while banks will extend lending support for the balance (Rs 2,200 crore).

The Government has also decided to set up a high-level bio-diesel board, to be headed by the

Chief Secretary, to coordinate bio-diesel plantation in 22 districts of the State, of which 13

districts are covered under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

The State Government has also decided to offer a minimum support price of Rs 6 per

kilogram of bio-diesel seeds and proposes to earmark a Rs 5-crore fund towards this in the


next budget.

Stating that the Girijan Corporation and the women self-help groups (SHGs) under the Indira

Kranthi scheme will be permitted to procure bio-diesel seeds from the farmers, the Chief

Minister said the State-owned AP State Road Transport Corporation would buy the entire bio-

diesel production.

For extracting bio-diesel from the seeds procured across the State, the Government proposes

to encourage women SHGs to set up expelling units with a capacity of 2.2-lakh tonnes per

annum, involving an investment of around Rs 4 lakh.

The Government also plans to invite expressions of interest from corporate houses and non-

governmental organisations towards setting up bio-diesel extraction units.

The tripartite initiative among the State governments, farmers and corporate houses will be

aimed at setting up bio-diesel extraction units in at least 10 mandals in each of the 13 districts

covered under the rural employment guarantee scheme. In the case of the nine other districts,

the Government proposes to encourage extracting units in five mandals of each district. ,

Having reported bio-diesel plantation in around 36,000 acres, the Government proposes to

set up bio-diesel plant nurseries in a major way this year.

According to the Chief Minister, the bio-diesel plantation will be taken up in 17 lakh acres per

annum for the next three years. The farmers can expect to reap an income of Rs 5,000 to Rs

10,000 per acre per annum from the fourth year onwards, he said.







AN Document BSNLNE0020051114e1bf0005w


HD Jatropha cultivation stressed

WC 252 words

PD 6 November 2005

SN Hindustan Times

SC HNTM

LA English


LP Hindustan Times

New Delhi, Nov 6 -- A HIGH-LEVEL committee has been set up to promote cultivation of

jatropha and other plants, which could be used for bio-diesel production in the country, said

Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar here on Saturday.

TD The committee to be co-chaired by Petroleum Secretary S C Tripathi, Panchayati Raj

Secretary B S Lalli and Planning Commission advisor R Mandal. To make the committee

broadbased and elicit response from a wide spectrum, representatives from bodies such as

National Vegetable Oil Development Board and National Rural Development Corporation

would be included in the committee.

The minister underlined the fact that the suc cessful implementation of bio-fuel programme

depends on equal participation of all stakeholders. He said the producer need not fear about

the quality of the produce and urged the panchayat representatives to grow jatropha or

pongamia plants in waste lands.

Aiyar said public sector oil marketing companies will have to purchase bio-diesel extracted

from plants such as jatropha and pongamia for mixing with diesel at Rs 25 a litre from January

next year.

The jatropha seeds cost Rs 5 a kilo and the biodiesel would be priced between Rs 18 and Rs

20. As per the policy, to begin with, 5 per cent oil from jatropha/pongamia (bio-diesel) would

be mixed with diesel during trial runs and the percentage would be increased to 20 in phases.


The Hindustan Times is provided through HT Syndication, New Delhi.

HTS ak 051107-169011

IN ibioful : Biofuels | i14001 : Petroleum Refining | i1 : Energy | i14 : Petroleum/Coal Products |

ialtful : Alternative Fuels






AN Document HNTM000020051107e1b6000xz


HD Panel to be formed on bio-diesel

WC 293 words

PD 6 November 2005

SN Hindustan Times

SC HNTM

LA English


LP Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI, India, Nov 6 -- Giving a clear policy thrust to introduction of bio-diesel,

Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Saturday announced setting up of a high-level

committee to promote cultivation of jatropha and other plants, which could be used for bio-

diesel production in the country.

TD The committee will be co-chaired by Petroleum Secretary S.C. Tripathi, Panchayati Raj

Secretary B.S. Lalli and Planning Commission Advisor R. Mandal. To broadbase the

committee and elicit response from a wide spectrum, representatives from bodies such as

National Vegetable Oil Development Board and National Rural Development Corporation will

also be roped in.

Aiyar underlined the fact that the successful implementation of bio-fuel programme depended

on equal participation of all stakeholders. He said the producer had no need to fear about the

quality of the produce and urged the panchayat representatives to grow jatropha or pongamia

plants in waste lands.

Aiyar said public sector oil marketing companies would have to purchase bio-diesel extracted

from plants such as jatropha and pongamia for mixing with diesel at Rs 25 a litre from January

next year. The jatropha seeds cost Rs 5 a kilo and the bio-diesel would be priced around Rs

18-20. As per the policy, to begin with, five per cent oil from jatropha/pongamia will be mixed

with diesel during trial runs and the percentage would be increased to 20 in phases.

The minister said the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme provided a major role to


panchayats in creating assets in rural areas and its provisions should be utilised for the

promotion of bio-diesel.

The Hindustan Times is provided through HT Syndication, New Delhi.

HTS ak 051107-168927







AN Document HNTM000020051107e1b6000nr


SE FRONT PAGE

HD Panel soon to promote jatropha for bio-diesel

BY Our Bureau

WC 382 words

PD 6 November 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 01

LA English


LP New Delhi , Nov. 5

THE Minister for Petroleum and Panchayati Raj, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, today announced

that a high-level committee would be constituted to promote cultivation of jatropha and other

plants, which could be used for bio-diesel production in the country.

TD The committee to be co-chaired by the Petroleum Secretary, Mr S.C. Tripathi, the Secretary

Panchayati Raj, Mr B.S. Lalli, and Advisor - Planning Commission, Mr R. Mandal, and would

include representatives from bodies such as National Vegetable Oil Development Board,

National Rural Development Corporation among others. Speaking at the valedictory session

of a one-day Bio-diesel Conclave on the theme `Panchayats and Petroleum — Towards Bio-

diesel Economy', the Minister stressed that the successful implementation of bio-fuel

programme depends on equal participation of all stakeholders.

The Minister said the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme provides a major role of

Panchayats in creating assets in rural areas and its provisions should be utilised for the

promotion of bio-diesel.

Stating the true success of the plan would be reflected only when the country could cut


imports of crude oil and spend that amount towards cultivation of jatropha, he said for 2004-

05, the expenditure on crude import was Rs 1,17,000 crore. He said that the success of the

plan to dope diesel with non-edible oil extracted from plants such as jatropha so as to cut

imports, depends on the involvement of local bodies in the programme.

The Minister also touched upon the recently announced bio-diesel pricing policy, which

stipulates that beginning January 2006, public sector oil marketing companies will have to

purchase bio-diesel extracted from plants such as jatropha and pongamia for mixing with

diesel at Rs 25 a litre.

Stating that the producer need not fear about the quality of the produce, he urged Panchayat

representatives to grow jatropha or pongamia plants in waste lands. The jatropha seeds cost

Rs 5 a kilo and the bio-diesel would be priced around Rs 18-20.

As per the policy, to begin with 5 per cent oil from jatropha/pongamia (bio-diesel) would be

mixed with diesel during trial runs and the percentage would be increased to 20 in phases.

NS npag : Page-One Story | ncat : Content Types




AN Document BSNLNE0020051105e1b600002


SE FRONT PAGE

HD No free power to ryots who waste it

BY Staff Reporter

WC 387 words

PD 4 November 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 01

LA English


LP Chief Minister stresses need for crop diversification and modification

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Thursday said farmers who did not install

capacitors on their pumpsets by March 31, 2006, and conserve water by avoiding paddy

cultivation under borewells and wells would be deemed ineligible for the free power supply

scheme.

TD Dr. Reddy declared that farmers dependent on pumpsets would not be allowed to grow paddy

during the rabi season. Without elaborating further, he said there was need for crop

diversification and modification. It was regrettable that farmers were sowing paddy under

borewells and open wells during the rabi season, notwithstanding the precarious groundwater

position.

Speaking at a Farmers' Day function organised as part of the golden jubilee of the State's

formation, he pointed out that paddy needed 60 lakh litres of water an acre while sunflower,

groundnut and maize required 14, 18 and 20 lakh litres respectively.

`Jalayagnam' useful


There was a need to maintain the ecological balance, he said, adding that `Jalayagnam'

consisted of increasing irrigation potential by harnessing both river and rainwater.

Without naming the Telugu Desam Party, the Chief Minister said no amount of criticism would

stop the Congress Government from going ahead with `Jalayagnam.' Detailing the "farmer-

friendly" initiatives of the Government, he urged all concerned to increase agricultural

productivity four-fold in three years. Referring to the Centre's allocation of over Rs. 300 crores

to the State for the horticulture mission, he said farmers should take advantage of this

initiative and diversify from traditional agriculture into growing fruits and vegetables besides

planting pongamia trees on bunds for water conservation. Minister for Agriculture N.

Raghuveera Reddy reiterated the Government's commitment to improving the lot of farmers.

The copious rain this year meant 95 per cent profit for most farmers and the Government was

trying to help people to cope with the remaining who suffered losses due to excessive rainfall.

WTO cell inaugurated

The Chief Minister inaugurated a WTO and a Gender Cell, located at the office of the

Commissioner, Agriculture. He also dedicated to farmers the first Government-run Bio-

Fertilizer Quality Control Laboratory and also gave televisions and DVD players to be used at

Mandal Agricultural Offices and Farmers Training Centres all over the State.

IN i010013206 : Rice Farming | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i01001 : Agriculture | i0100132 :

Oilseed/Grain Farming





AN Document THINDU0020051103e1b40009t


SE FROM THE STATES

HD No free electricity to farmers who waste it, says YSR

BY Staff Reporter

WC 353 words

PD 4 November 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 08

LA English


LP Stresses need for crop diversification and modification

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Thursday said farmers who did

not install capacitors on their pumpsets by March 31, 2006, and conserve water by avoiding

paddy cultivation under borewells and wells would be deemed ineligible for the free power

supply scheme.

TD Dr. Reddy declared that farmers dependent on pumpsets would not be allowed to grow paddy

during the rabi season. Without elaborating further, he said there was need for crop

diversification and modification. It was regrettable that farmers were sowing paddy under

borewells and open wells during the rabi season, notwithstanding the precarious groundwater

position.

Speaking at a Farmers' Day function organised as part of the golden jubilee of the State's

formation, he pointed out that paddy needed 60 lakh litres of water an acre while sunflower,

groundnut and maize required 14, 18 and 20 lakh litres respectively.

`Jalayagnam' useful


There was a need to maintain the ecological balance, he said, adding that `Jalayagnam'

consisted of increasing irrigation potential by harnessing both river and rainwater. Without

naming the Telugu Desam Party, the Chief Minister said no amount of criticism would stop the

Congress Government from going ahead with `Jalayagnam'.

Detailing the farmer-friendly initiatives of the Government, he urged all concerned to increase

agricultural productivity four-fold in three years. Referring to the Centre's allocation of over Rs.

300 crores to the State for the horticulture mission, he said farmers should take advantage of

this initiative and diversify from traditional agriculture into growing fruits and vegetables

besides planting pongamia trees on bunds for water conservation.

Commitment

Minister for Agriculture N. Raghuveera Reddy reiterated the Government's commitment to

improving the lot of farmers. The copious rain this year meant 95 per cent profit for most

farmers and the Government was trying to help people to cope up with the remaining who

suffered losses due to excessive rainfall.

The Chief Minister inaugurated a WTO and a Gender Cell, located at the office of the

Commissioner, Agriculture.

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i01001 : Agriculture | i17 : Water Utilities | i1 : Energy






AN Document THINDU0020051103e1b400088


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Maditssia hails Centre's new bio-diesel policy

BY Staff Reporter

WC 251 words

PD 1 November 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP To be implemented from January 1 Ìt was heartening to note that oil manufacturing

companies would purchase bio-diesel at Rs.25 a litre'

The Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association has hailed the new bio-

diesel policy to be implemented by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from

January 1, 2006.

TD In a release issued here recently, the president of the association, S. Aravind, said it was

heartening to note that oil manufacturing companies would purchase bio-diesel at Rs.25 a

litre. However, he raised doubts over the unexplained grounds for fixing the amount and

failure on the part of the Ministry to mention the percentage of tax that would be levied by the

Centre and the State.

He stressed the need for reducing the price of oil seeds required to cultivate jatropha and

pongamia, from which bio-diesel was being extracted. Since the residue formed after

extracting oil from jatropha could not be used as cattle feed because of the toxic seeds, the

Government should find ways for sale realisation of the residues too, he said.

Though the Government had announced the price and said that initially 5 per cent of the bio-


diesel would be mixed with diesel during trial runs and that thereafter the blending would be

gradually increased up to 20 per cent, the source of immediate supply of the fuel in huge

volumes was remote, the president said.







AN Document THINDU0020051031e1b100070


HD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS: BIOFUELS AND BIOENERGY (research is being conducted

to produce ethanol, and pongamia oil is being used to test-run engines)

CR BIOSPECTRUM. Oct, 2005; pg 68

WC 139 words

PD 31 October 2005


SC WIBI

LA English


LP Sweet Sorghum Juice and sorghum grains are being used to produce ethanol at Indian

Institute of Science, New Delhi. Efforts are also being made to develop a complete technology

package for transfer to industry. Attempts are also being made to produce ethanol from

different lignocelluloses. Madurai Kamaraj University is conducting studies to construct

recombinant celluloytic bacteria from cellulose substances for producing ethanol. Haryana

Agriculture University is conducting studies to improve cellulase production through celluloytic

fungi. National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, is analysing Pongamia pinnata,

Madhuca indica and Salvadora oleoides for their oil content and fatty acid triglyceride

composition. A diesel engine has also been test-run using Pongamia oil.

RF ABSTRACT|MONTHLY

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | ibioful : Biofuels | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural

Gas | imet : Metals/Mining | i1 : Energy

NS c23 : Research/Development | nabst : Abstract | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat :

Content Types




Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Research-and-development



AN Document WIBI000020051221e1av00031


HD BIOFUEL-THE ENERGY OF THE LIQUOR INDUSTRY (the demand for ethanol and oily

products of plants like jatropha, pongamia and sorghum is increasing)

CR AMBROSIA. Oct, 2005; pg 30

WC 461 words

PD 31 October 2005


SC WIBI

LA English


LP The potable alcohol industry is to make capital out of the expected rise in the demand for

ethanol, which is a product of the sugar mills on which liquor companies are also dependent.

The Government of India is to encourage the use of bio-fuel tapped from plants like jatropha,

pongamia and sorghum. According to the Botanical Survey of India, there are over 400

varieties of plants what can yield bio-fuel. India needs 114 million tonnes of crude oil each

year, of which 75 percent is imported at a cost of Rs1,20,000 crore. The transportation sector

alone consumes 112 million tonnes of oil. There are more than 60 million hectares of

wasteland in India. Each hectare can yield up to 3 tonnes of seeds that can be used to

produce 1 tonne of bio-fuel. So, India can produce 30 million tonnes of bio-fuel. The Indian

Railways is considering harnessing 90,000 hectares of its land for cultivating biofuel crops.

TD The Government has mandated public sector petroleum marketing companies to purchase

bio-fuel at Rs25 a litre from Jan 2006. Initially 5 percent of bio-fuel is to be mixed with diesel,

and eventually the percentage would be increased to 20. The purchasing centres of bio-fuel

will be at Ghatkesar in Andhra Pradesh; Mandirhasaud in Chhattisgarh; Bijwasan in Delhi;

Kandla in Gujarat; Rewari in Haryana; Devanagunthi and Mangalore in Karnataka; Manmad,

Borkhedi-Nagpur, Loni and Vashi in Maharashtra; Bhatinda in Punjab; Sanganer-Jaipur and

Salawas in Rajasthan; Korukkupet, Chennai, Narimanam and Karur in Tamil Nadu; and Panki

and Amousi-Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Mohan Bio Oils Ltd of Chennai in Tamil Nadu

proposes to invest Rs80 crore on a plant that can process around 24,000 tonnes of jatropha

seeds a year to tap nearly 8,000 tonnes of bio-fuel. The plant is likely to be based at

Chengalpet, near Chennai, in Jan 2006. It hopes to cultivate jatropha in more than 5 million

hectares in 5-7 years. It intends to grow jatropha on 40,000 hectares in Tamil Nadu, on


20,000 hectares in Andhra Pradesh, and 50,000 hectares in Chhattisgarh. The Government of

India is to give a subsidy of Rs6,000 or 30 percent a hectare to encourage farming of bio-fuel

plants. Bio-fuel production involves 2 stages. In the first stage, oil is extracted from the seeds

of jatropha/pongamia/sorghum or other plants. In the second phase, the oil is subjected to a

chemical process called transesterification. Glycerine will be a by-product of the process.

RF ABSTRACT|MONTHLY

CO inrail : Indian Railways

IN i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural Gas | i25 : Chemicals | imet : Metals/Mining |

i1 : Energy | i71 : Railroads | irailtr : Road/Rail Transport | itsp : Transportation/Shipping

NS c31 : Marketing | nabst : Abstract | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types |




IPD Ethanol-286916.008 | Fireplace-logs-and-fuel-briquettes-299962.000 | Chemical-Industry |

Mining-Minerals-and-Metallurgy | Oil-And-Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry |

Forecast-and-market-research


AN Document WIBI000020051124e1av00010


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Promotion of bio-diesel tops State's agenda

BY Staff Reporter

WC 382 words

PD 29 October 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 04

LA English


LP Scientists urged to suggest ways to prevent air, water pollution

TD Cultivation of Jatropa and Pongamia is one way of augmenting bio-diesel production

Depleting fuel resources and increasing pollution level call for such measures The State

Government was for promoting Jatropa and Pongamia cultivations for augmenting bio-diesel

production to reduce dependence on depleting fuel resources and bring down pollution, said

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy here on Friday. "In the next three or four years, it will

be the major area for development of the State," said Dr. Reddy who was the chief guest at

the first International Conference on Environmental Management organised by the Institute of

Science and Technology Centre for Environment, JNTU. Lauding the initiative of the centre

for environment in organising the conference, he said that the survival of mankind depended

on sustainability of natural resources. Science and technology should come up with

ecologically sustainable, economically viable and people-participatory ways of making use of

natural resources and checking degradation of environment, Dr. Reddy said. Stepping up bio-

diesel production was one such measure in that direction, he added. P3 syndrome Stating

that the P3 syndrome - population, poverty and pollution - had negative effect on socio-

economic development, he called upon environmental scientists to recommend additional

strategies for prevention of air, water pollution and remediation of existing problems. The

strategies developed by environmentalists could be incorporated into Government polices, the


Chief Minister told the gathering of scientists, engineers and academicians from across the

globe. Promoting rainwater harvesting, municipal solid waste disposal and management for

generating power, producing vermi compost were some eco-friendly measures being

implemented in the State to conserve natural resources, he said. Projects for creating fresh

water by desalination of sea-water, water recycling should also be taken up, he said.

Conference objective Conference Secretary and Head, Centre for Environment IST, M. Anji

Reddy said that the objective of the conference was to serve as a link between science,

policy, practice and decision-making for evolving solutions for environment management to

improve quality of life. Focus areas The conference would focus on environmental resources

and sustainability, environmental impact assessment, pollution and control technologies,

environmental geo-informatics and modelling and environmental education and awareness.

IN i8395413 : Environmental Consulting Services | iewm : Environment/Waste Management

NS genv : Environmental News | gqual : Air/Water/Land Quality | gcat : Political/General News


AN Document THINDU0020051028e1at000ax


SE REGIONAL

HD MADITSSIA hails new bio-diesel policy

BY Staff Reporter

WC 249 words

PD 25 October 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 03

LA English


LP To be implemented from January 1 Ìt was heartening to note that oil manufacturing

companies would purchase bio-diesel at Rs.25 a litre'

The Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association has hailed the new bio-

diesel policy to be implemented by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from

January 1, 2006.

TD In a release issued here on Friday, the president of the association, S. Aravind, said it was

heartening to note that oil manufacturing companies would purchase bio-diesel at Rs.25 a

litre. However, he raised doubts over the unexplained grounds for fixing the amount and

failure on the part of the Ministry to mention the percentage of tax that would be levied by the

Centre and the State.

He stressed the need for reducing the price of oil seeds required to cultivate jatropha and

pongamia, from which bio-diesel was being extracted. Since the residue formed after

extracting oil from jatropha could not be used as cattle feed because of the toxic seeds, the

Government should find ways for sale realisation of the residues too, he said.

Though the Government had announced the price and said that initially 5 per cent of the bio-


diesel would be mixed with diesel during trial runs and that thereafter the blending would be

gradually increased up to 20 per cent, the source of immediate supply of the fuel in huge

volumes was remote, the president said.







AN Document THINDU0020051024e1ap0001v


SE AGRI-BUSINESS

HD Biofuel policy: Lukewarm response from industry

BY R. Balaji

WC 426 words

PD 20 October 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 12

LA English


LP Chennai , Oct. 19

THE biofuel policy announced recently by the Union Petroleum Ministry has received a

lukewarm response from the industry. The industry is worried that the policy has fixed a price

for biofuel without any reference to the raw material price.

TD However, traditional oil mills that have been catering to other industrial users have welcomed

the announcement. This will stabilise prices in the long run and give the mills a new market

they say.

Industry source say some of the "welcome" features of the programme are that it is to be

launched from January 2006; the oil companies are expected to buy biofuels and purchase

points have been designated. But of concern is the announcement of a fixed price of Rs 25 a

litre, even if it is subject to review, as the seed cost has not been addressed. Also, with State

governments actively encouraging farmers to go for cultivation of biofuel yielding plants, the

seed price is still an open question that could skew the equation, they say.

According to Mr N. Satish Kumar, Managing Director, Southern Online Biotechnologies Ltd, a

major investor in biofuels, prices of seeds like pongamia are now more than Rs 6 a kg


compared to about Rs 3-4 a kg last year. At this level, taking into account that 4 kg seeds are

needed for extracting a litre of fuel oil, the transport charge of seed to the factory and oil to the

purchase point and seed crushing cost totalling about Rs 10, the cost of production works out

to about Rs 28 a litre, including local taxes. Ideally, biodiesel prices should have been fixed at

about Rs 30 a litre, he said.

According to another major buyer of oils, the decision to initially peg prices at about Rs 25 a

litre is good. But he is sceptical if they would find any seller at this level. Even the raw oil is

now costlier. The announcement by the Centre could at best be considered a firm expression

of interest but does not address the finer details.

Investors are also hopeful that a firm commitment towards a market would encourage banks

to assist the projects. Though they have evinced interest, there has been delay in funds being

sanctioned.

Mr A.A. Venugopal Chettiar of Bhuvaneshwari Oil Mills, Gudiyattam, Tamil Nadu, said the

price would stabilise with the announcement of the policy. Now prices of oils such as

Pongamia range around Rs 30-32 a litre when sold to tanneries.







AN Document BSNLNE0020051019e1ak00023


SE NEWS

HD ̀ Involve panchayats in biofuel programme'

BY Our Bureau

WC 469 words

PD 18 October 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 09

LA English


LP New Delhi , Oct. 17

THE Petroleum Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday said that the successful

implementation of biofuel programme depends on four Ps— public-private-panchayat-

partnership.

TD Inaugurating an international conference on `Bio fuels 2012 - Vision to Reality,' the Minister

said the success of the plan to dope diesel with non-edible oil extracted from plants such as

Jatropha so as to cut imports, depends on the involvement of local bodies in the programme.

`Ùnless P3 - public-private partnership - is converted into P4 - public-private-panchayat

partnership, I see no hope for the biofuel programme," the Minister said.

While the country's prospects for oil and gas are limited, it has unlimited potential to produce

bio-diesel, he said. Five per cent non-edible oil from plants like jatropha and pongamia would

be mixed with diesel during trial runs and the percentage increased to 20 in phases, the

Minister said adding that automobile engines do not require any modification for using diesel

doped with 20 per cent bio-diesel as fuel.


Mr R.K. Pachauri, Director General TERI said 13.4 million-hectares of land in the country

could be used for Jatropha plantation. The initial cost of production of bio-diesel would be

upwards of Rs 23 a litre and over time it could be brought down to Rs 15-18 a litre he said.

In a presentation on biofuels, TERI said it could act as catalyst for growth in rural areas. Some

of the options for biofuel are straight vegetable oil and bio diesel. Non-edible oil seeds and

ethanol are also being considered.

Agreeing that in 2005-04, sugar production suffered due to drought conditions in several parts

of the country Mr Smeer Maithel Director Energy-Environment Technology Division TERI said

that ethanol supply is expected to improve during 2005-06. He however said that there was a

need to move from the present single feed stock sugarcane molasses option towards multi-

feed stocks sweet sorghum and sugar beet for ethanol production.

In 2003, five per cent ethanol blending in petrol was made mandatory in nine States and four

Union Territories. In 2004-05 sugarcane production suffered due to drought conditions in

several parts of the country and mandatory blending was made subject to availability.

On bio-diesel policy, TERI said though the bio-diesel purchase announcement was made by

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas a decision on National Mission of bio-diesel was still

awaited. TERI has suggested that integrated (field-to-wheel) demonstration projects for bio-

diesel to establish sustainable production models should be set up.

It has also called for a comprehensive policy for biofuels, which outlines the targets, duties

and taxes, role of various Central ministries, State Governments and coordinating

mechanism.

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | ibioful : Biofuels | i1 : Energy






AN Document BSNLNE0020051017e1ai0001r


HD New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) The success of the ambitious plan to dope diesel with non-edible oil

extracted from plants like jathropa (called bio-diesel) so as to cut imports, depends on the

involvement of local bodies in the programmme, Union Petroleum and Panchayati Raj

Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said today.

WC 259 words

PD 17 October 2005


SC PRTRIN

LA English


LP "Unless P3 - public-private partnership - is converted into P4 - public-private-panchayat

partnership, I see no hope for biofuel programme," he said at the inauguration of TERI's

conference on biofeuls here.

While India's prospects for oil and gas were limited, it had unlimited potential to produce

biodiesel.

TD Five per cent non-edible oil from Jatropha, Pongamia etc (bio-diesel) will be mixed with diesel

during trial runs and the percentage increased to 20 in phases. Automobile engines do not

require any modification for using diesel doped with 20 per cent bio-diesel as fuel, he said.

Aiyar said panchayats need to be involved in Jatropha cultivation for making the programme a

success.

TERI said 13.4 million-hectares of land in the country could be used for Jatropha plantation.

R K Pachauri of TERI said initial cost of production of bio-diesel would be upwards of Rs 23 a

litre and overtime it could be brought down to Rs 15-18 a litre.

With effect from January 1, 2006, public sector oil marketing companies - Indian Oil Corp,

Bharat Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp - would purchase, through its select

purchase centres, bio-diesel that meets fuel quality standard prescribed by Bureau of

Industrial Standards (BIS).


IN i1 : Energy | ibioful : Biofuels | ialtful : Alternative Fuels






AN Document PRTRIN0020051018e1ah0001b


SE OPINION

HD Policy sans power

WC 540 words

PD 17 October 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 08

LA English


LP CONCEDED THAT SOARING crude prices and rising import dependence force examination

of alternatives to fossil fuel, and what better than biofuel — the green, eco-friendly, renewable

energy source — as partial replacement. Even developed economies are straining to ensure

energy security by encouraging use of renewable sources and to guard against the vagaries

of the highly unpredictable mineral oil market. Economic growth and rising incomes have

pushed demand for energy products in India to a higher trajectory, forcing the country to

import close to 100 million tonnes of crude a year. For us, the urgency to exploit natural

resources is even greater. However, despite the lofty intentions, the bio-diesel purchase

policy unveiled by the Ministry of Petroleum last week falls considerably short of expectations.

The policy is most unlikely to succeed because of serious inadequacies in, or limitations of, its

approach. Also, no groundwork seems to have been done about supplies.

TD There is little clarity on such key issues as the target constituency (growers, processors or

consumers); the manner of servicing the constituency; or the pricing of biofuel.

The country's diesel consumption, estimated at 40 million tonnes, is growing at close to 10 per

cent a year. Even a modest 5 per cent doping would require two million tonnes of vegetable

oil. Domestic production of vegetable oil (6.5 million tonnes) is as it is supplemented with

imports (5 million tonnes), almost entirely for edible purposes. Any addition to the domestic

pool has to come from non-conventional vegetable oil sources such as Ratanjyot (Jatropha)

or Pongamia plants which have a gestation of about four years before they start yielding fruits


on a large scale for crushing into oil. There is now neither a well-broadcast policy to promote

cultivation of these plants, nor is the output available in any significant quantity. Worse, there

is no incentive for any producer to sell to an oil marketing company at Rs 25 a litre, when he

can find a ready market at Rs 30 or more. With diesel costing Rs 35 a litre, and the price of

crude vegetable oils at Rs 32-35 a kg (with prospect of a rise), it would be surprising if there

are any takers for the scheme.

Clearly, the policy makers have failed to think through all the issues. The Petroleum Ministry's

position can be described as àll dressed up but nowhere to go'. The biofuel policy cannot

succeed by official diktat. It must create an environment for growers to produce processors to

supply and consumers to use biofuel. The entire exercise has to be incentivised for active

participation of stakeholders; subsidy is integral to biofuel policy world over. In pricing biofuel

domestic market conditions — shortage of indigenous vegetable oil and import dependence —

cannot be overlooked. Ironically ethanol worth Rs 400 crore lying with the sugar industry is yet

to be lifted by the oil companies. Obviously the Petroleum Ministry alone cannot drive the

biodiesel agenda. Other ministries — of Agriculture Food Finance and Rural Development —

must be engaged besides the State governments. Indeed given the subject's urgency and

national importance the Prime Minister himself must take the lead to design a policy that takes

a holistic long-term perspective.

IN i411 : Vegetable Oils | ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i1 : Energy | i41 : Food/Beverages/Tobacco |

ifood : Food Products

NS nedc : Commentary/Opinion | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfcpex : FC&E





AN Document BSNLNE0020051016e1ah0000u


HD OIL PSUS TO PURCHASE BIODIESEL AT RS25/LITRE (5% percent of biodiesel to be

mixed with diesel)

CR Business Standard. Oct 14, 2005; pg 16

WC 95 words

PD 14 October 2005


SC WIBI

VOL 0999-001X

LA English


LP Public sector oil companies will purchase bio-diesel extracted from plants for mixing in diesel

at Rs25 per litre from 1 Jan 2005. Five percent non-edible oil from jatropha and pongamia will

be mixed with diesel during trial runs and the percentage will be increased to 20 percent in

phase. Automobile engines do not require any modifications for using diesel mixed with 20

percent bio-diesel as fuel.

RF ABSTRACT|DAILY

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i0 : Agriculture/Forestry | i13 : Crude Oil/Natural Gas | imet :

Metals/Mining | i1 : Energy





Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Supply-and-purchase


AN Document WIBI000020051017e1ae0004d


HD PLATTS - Indian oil firms to spike gasoil with 5% bio-diesel beginning Jan.

WC 235 words

PD 14 October 2005

ET 06:25 GMT

SN Platts Commodity News

SC PLATT

LA English

CY Copyright 2005. Platts. All Rights Reserved.

LP New Delhi (Platts)-14Oct2005/221 am EDT/621 GMT India's state-run gasoline retailers in

January will begin buying a bio-diesel extracted from "jatropha" and "pongamia" plants for

blending with gasoil,, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said in a statement Thursday.

Initially, gasoil will be spiked with 5% bio-diesel, with that percentage rising in stages to 20%.

Automobile engines would not need any modification for using gasoil doped with 20% bio-

diesel, the ministry said. State-run retailing major Indian Oil Corp, its subsidiary IBP Ltd,

Bharat Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp, which together hold over 95% retail

gasoil market share, will buy bio-diesel from registered outlets, which will have to get the bio-

diesel samples tested for fuel quality by oil companies. The government plans to open 22 bio-

diesel outlets across India, and has fixed the bio-diesel price at Rupees 25/liter (US $0.55/l)

for sale to the oil companies, the statement said.

TD The move is aimed to reduce India's dependence on expensive imported crude. India imports

around 100-mil mt of crude each year to supplement domestic crude output of 34-mil mt/year.

The government had earlier directed oil companies to sell gasoline spiked with 5% ethanol

produced from sugar cane. - Shiva Lingam, [email protected].

RF _6s2005101400029

CO bhpet : Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd | hinpet : Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd | ioc : Indian Oil

Corporation Ltd

IN i1 : Energy | i14 : Petroleum/Coal Products | i14001 : Petroleum Refining


NS m14 : Commodity Markets | m143 : Energy Markets | mbnker : Bunker Fuel Markets | mcat :

Commodity/Financial Market News | mcrntg : Crude Oil/Natural Gas Product Markets | ncat :

Content Types | nfact : Factiva Filters | nfce : FC&E Exclusion Filter



IPC New Delhi | IN | NGS | ASIA | CRU | ELG | EMRG | HEAT | MOG | PLTN | PROD

PUB Platts, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.

AN Document PLATT00020051014e1ae001up


SE BUSINESS

HD Bio-diesel policy announced


WC 346 words

PD 14 October 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 16

LA English


LP Oil companies to buy at Rs. 25 a litre

Scheme to come into force from January 1, 2006 Product must meet BIS standard Purchase

centre in States identified

TD Beginning January 1 next year, the public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) will be

purchasing bio-diesel (B100) at Rs. 25 a litre for blending with diesel (HSD) to the extent of 20

per cent in phases.

Unveiling the new bio-diesel purchase policy here on Thursday, Minister for Petroleum and

Natural Gas Mani Shankar Aiyar said that to start with, five per cent of bio-diesel, a non-edible

oil extracted from `Jatropha' and `Pongamia,' would be mixed with diesel during trial runs. At a

later stage, in phases, the B100 blending with diesel is to be increased to 20 per cent. Mr

Aiyar noted that automobile engines would not require any modification for using diesel doped

with 20 per cent bio-diesel as fuel.

Only those bio-diesel manufacturers who get their samples approved and certified by the oil

companies and get registered as authorised suppliers will be eligible for assured purchase of

product, the new policy statement said.


Accordingly, starting January 1, 2006, the OMCs — Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat

Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited —

would purchase, through select purchase centres, bio-diesel that meets the fuel quality

standards prescribed by the Bureau of Industrial Standards (BIS).

Te purchase centres are located at Ghatkesar in Andhra Pradesh (also for Jharkhand and

Orissa); Mandirhasaud in Chhattisgarh; Bijwasan in Delhi; Kandla in Gujarat; Rewari in

Haryana; Devanagunthi and Mangalore in Karnataka; Manmand, Borkhedi-Nagpur, Loni and

Vashi in Maharashtra; Bhatinda in Punjab; Sanganer-Jaipur and Salawas in Rajasthan;

Korrukupet, Chennai, Narimanam and Karur in Tamil Nadu; and Panki and Amausi-Lucknow

in Uttar Pradesh.

The policy stipulates that the OMCs shall buy bio-diesel at a uniform price, as may be OMCs

from time to time. "The initial purchase price of bio-diesel by the oil marketing companies will

be Rs. 25 a litre,'' it said.







AN Document THINDU0020051013e1ae0009s


SE REGIONAL

HD Farming without harming the land

BY Rishikesh Bahadur Desai

WC 405 words

PD 14 October 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 04

LA English


LP While most farmers across the State are faced with a severe scarcity of urea and other

inorganic fertilizers, organic farmers remain insulated from the crisis.

The Natural Farmers' Association of Bidar strongly advocates the use of organic fertilizers,

such as vermicompost, use of green manure, such as sun hemp, and additives, such as

neem and pongamia seeds.

TD Organic farming is the only way that farmers can survive the onslaught of globalisation, which

has driven up the prices of inorganic fertilizers, says association president Ishwarappa

Chakote.

He has not used inorganic fertilizers, insecticides or pesticides for seven years. This has

helped him reduce the cost of cultivation by half as well as labour costs.

Mr. Chakote sells organically produced jaggery across the country. His Bengal gram is very

popular in cities such as Hyderabad where the demand for organic products is going up.

Association secretary Shankarappa Patil feels the high prices of farm inputs will create more

problems. If a farmer buys urea at Rs. 200 a quintal, his cost of cultivation will go up


drastically. Then he will have to sell his produce at a high price, which the market may not

pay. Mr. Patil gradually reduced the use of urea over a decade and completely replaced it with

vermicompost, neem cake and a slurry of pongamia and cow-dung.

Many farmers in Bidar and other districts have had a similar experience.

"It has been eight years since I used urea and other inorganic fertilizers. I use vermicompost

and other organic fertilizers," says progressive farmer Pentareddy Patil of Hokrana (B). This

has saved him an average of Rs. 2 lakhs a year on fertilizers alone.

The other benefits are that soil quality has been improving every year the quality of produce

has gone up.

He has been growing sugarcane, toor, green gram, black gram, soyabean, mulberry and even

teak using vermicompost on his 70-acre farm.

Mr. Patil says organic farming makes crops immune to diseases. "I have not used insecticides

or pesticides in the past eight years," he says.

Gurunath Odugowdar, member of the Empowered Committee on Organic Farming and the

Board of Regents of the University of Agriculture Sciences Dharwad, feels organic farming

can solve many problems, including changes in the prices of farm inputs. Saving seeds also

helps. "We then need not depend on seed production companies before sowing every year,"

he says.

NS greg : Regional Politics | gcat : Political/General News | gcom : Society/Community/Work |

gpir : Politics/International Relations




AN Document THINDU0020051013e1ae0007e


SE FRONT PAGE

HD Oil marketing cos to buy bio-fuel at Rs 25 a litre &#151 Ministry issues fiat as part of new

purchase policy

BY Our Bureau

WC 485 words

PD 14 October 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 01

LA English


LP To begin with, 5 per cent non-edible oil from Jatropha/Pongamia (bio-diesel) will be mixed

with diesel during trial runs.

New Delhi , Oct. 13

TD THE Petroleum Ministry has announced that beginning January 2006, public sector oil

marketing companies (OMCs) will have to purchase bio-diesel extracted from plants such as

Jatropha and Pongamia for mixing with diesel at Rs 25 a litre.

According to the policy, the OMCs would buy the product at a uniform price as may be

decided by them from time to time depending on market conditions. The price would be

inclusive of any taxes and duties and transportation cost for delivery of bio-diesel at the

purchase centres.

"The uniform price, once fixed will be in operation for six months at the end of which it will be

reviewed. The initial purchase price of bio-diesel by the OMCs will be Rs 25 per litre" the

policy stated.

Unveiling the new bio-diesel purchase policy at a function here on Thursday, the Petroleum


Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, said OMCs such as Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan

Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation would purchase, through their

select purchase centres, bio-diesel (B 100), which meets the fuel quality standard prescribed

by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

To begin with, 5 per cent non-edible oil from Jatropha/Pongamia (bio-diesel) wouldbe mixed

with diesel during trial runs and the percentage would be increased to 20 in phases the

Minister said adding that automobile engines do not require any modification for using diesel

doped with 20 per cent bio-diesel as fuel.

The policy also identifies the purchase centres. This has been done in consultation with

OMCs on the basis of availability of minimum testing facilities for B100 and for blending HSD

(diesel fuel) to the extent of 5 per cent.

These centres are located at Ghatkesar in Andhra Pradesh (also for Jharkhand and Orissa),

Mandirhasaud in Chhattisgarh, Bijwasan in Delhi, Kandla in Gujarat, Rewari in Haryana,

Devanagunthi and Mangalore in Karnataka, Manmand, Borkhedi-Nagpur, Loni and Vashi in

Maharashtra, Bhatinda in Punjab, Sanganier-Jaipur and Salawas in Rajasthan, Korrukupet,

Chennai, Narimanam and Karur in Tamil Nadu and Panki and Amousi-Lucknow in Uttar

Pradesh.

Bio-diesel manufacturers interested in supplying the product to OMCs would approach the

State-level coordinator. After assessment of the production capacity and the credibility of the

prospective supplier by an industry team, the samples would be tested and the supplier would

be registered if the samples met BIS specifications.

In the normal course, the registration would be revalidated after a year. The Petroleum Policy

and Analysis Cell would monitor the implementation of the purchase policy and report the

progress to the Ministry on a regular basis.





AN Document BSNLNE0020051013e1ae00001


HD New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) Public sector oil firms will purchase bio-diesel extracted from plants

like Jatropha for mixing in diesel, at Rs 25 a litre beginning January one.

WC 379 words

PD 13 October 2005


SC PRTRIN

LA English


LP Five per cent non-edible oil from Jatropha, Pongamia etc (bio-diesel) will be mixed with diesel

during trial runs and the percentage increased to 20 in phases, Petroleum Minister Mani

Shankar Aiyar said unveiling the new bio-diesel purchase policy here.

Automobile engines do not require any modification for using diesel doped with 20 per cent

bio-diesel as fuel, he said.

TD "It is imperative that the bio-diesel offered for blending in diesel is of standard quality.

Therefore, it would be necessary that only those bio-diesel manufacturers who get their

samples approved and certified by the oil companies and get registered as authorised

suppliers would be eligible for assured purchase of product," the new policy states.

With effect from January one, 2006, the public sector oil companies - Indian Oil Corp, Bharat

Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp - would purchase, through its select purchase

centres, bio-diesel that meets fuel quality standard prescribed by Bureau of Industrial

Standards (BIS).

"The purchase centres have been identified," the policy said. These are located at Ghatkesar

in Andhra Pradesh (also for Jharkhand and Orissa), Mandirhasaud in Chattisgarh, Bijwasan in

Delhi, Kandla in Gujarat, Rewari in Haryana, Devanagunthi and Mangalore in Karntaka,

Manmand, Borkhedi- Nagpur, Loni and Vashi in Maharashtra, Bhatinda in Punjab, Sanganier-

Jaipur and Salawas in Rajasthan, Korrukupet Chennai, Narimanam and Karur in Tamil Nadu

and Panki and Amousi-Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

"The oil marketing companies shall buy bio-diesel which meets the prescribed BIS standard,


at a uniform price, as may be decided by the oil marketing companies from time to time,

depending on market conditions," the new policy said. "The initial purchase price of bio-diesel

by the oil marketing companies will be Rs 25 per litre," it said.

Jatropha can be planted on degraded forest land, farmers' field boundaries to provide

protective hedge, fallow land, on farmers' holdings as agro-forestry along with agricultural

crops, public lands along railway tracks, highways, canals, community and government land

in villages.

"Such plantation can also be done under the poverty alleviation programes of the

Government," the policy said.

CO hinpet : Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd | ioc : Indian Oil Corporation Ltd | bhpet : Bharat

Petroleum Corp Ltd

IN i1 : Energy | i14 : Petroleum/Coal Products | i14001 : Petroleum Refining | ibioful : Biofuels |

ialtful : Alternative Fuels

NS c13 : Regulation/Government Policy | c333 : Non-governmental Contracts | c33 :

Contracts/Orders | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types | nfact : Factiva





AN Document PRTRIN0020051014e1ad0001d


HD Bio-fuels are coming ; A significant fall-out of the sharp rise in petroleum prices...

BY Editorial

WC 585 words

PD 5 October 2005


SC BSTN

PG 11

LA English


LP A significant fall-out of the sharp rise in petroleum prices is the renewed interest globally in

looking for alternatives. Fortunately, several options are available for substituting at least

some petrol and diesel consumption in automobiles with bio-fuels. Brazil has for nearly three

decades been blending petrol with ethanol made from sugarcane. Some countries are using

other crops, including grains, for producing alcohol that gets mixed with petrol. Similarly, bio-

fuel for diesel engines can be produced from most vegetable oils, though non-edible oils are

generally preferred for obvious reasons. This, however, requires setting up plants for

extracting oil from seeds and for subjecting it to the chemical process called

transesterification. In fact this process yields by-products, like glycerine and oil cake, that can

also be put to gainful use.

TD It is no wonder then that governments the world over have begun encouraging the cultivation

of plant species suitable for generating bio-fuel. India is no exception, though the level of

interest that many other countries display in this field is still lacking here. Nevertheless, there

certainly is the realisation that at the current prices of petroleum products, the use of bio-fuel

makes eminent sense. As such, the programme for selling ethanol-blended petrol in nine

states, which had run into trouble because of the failure of the petroleum companies and the

sugar industry to reach agreement on the pricing of molasses-based ethanol, is being revived

again. Today, even a relatively high price may be acceptable to the petroleum industry.

The plants being deemed suitable for producing bio-diesel in India include jatropha and


pongamia. However, jatropha seems to have emerged as the preferred species for several

reasons. It has a high oil content of over 30 per cent and the plant, being a bush, is easy to

manage. Besides, it begins bearing seed in about four years, against the much longer time

taken by some other plants. In fact, several states are going ahead with large-scale plantation

of jatropha on lands not ideally suitable for the cultivation of commercial crops. As a result, a

British firm has come forward to set up a plant in Tamil Nadu for producing bio-diesel from

jatropha.

There are several merits in encouraging the large-scale production and consumption of bio-

fuels, but there are some concerns as well. On the positive side, bio-fuels are produced from

renewable sources and are environment-friendly. The carbon dioxide produced by burning

bio-fuels is the same that the plants had imbibed from the atmosphere during their growth and

does not, therefore, add to the existing carbon load of the atmosphere. However, their other

effects on the environment are yet to be fully perceived. The danger of untoward ecological

consequences following their large-scale adoption on plantations cannot be ruled out at this

stage. Sugarcane, for instance, is a water-gulping crop and can impact hydrology. Other

concerns include the problems that might emerge at the stage of disposal of by-products, for

which there may not be adequate demand. In the case of pongamia, certainly, there is every

danger of its overwhelming other plant species if included in agro-forestry. This is because it

produces root suckers that can spread laterally up to several metres in the soil. Such

concerns need to be considered and addressed before going the whole hog for all manner of

bio-fuels.






AN Document BSTN000020051004e1a500023


SE CITY/REGIONAL

HD Rs. 10,000 cr. for irrigation next year


WC 440 words

PD 2 October 2005

SN The Hindu

SC THINDU

PG 04

LA English


LP YSR asks entrepreneurs to invest in food processing sector

TD Expenditure likely to overshoot estimates in 2005-06 Huge cultivation of pongamia in

Mahabubnagar Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University to set up a horticulture college An

allocation of Rs. 10,000 crores is being contemplated for irrigation by the Government in next

year's budget, Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy announced here on Saturday. While the

Government earmarked Rs. 3,350 crores last year, the amount was enhanced to Rs. 6,600

crores in 2005-06. "We may overshoot it by Rs. 400 crores to Rs.500 crores," he added. If all

this could enhance agriculture production, including vegetables and fruits, the industry could

thrive and generate more employment. The Chief Minister said that the Government had

taken up a Rs.46,000-crore programme to provide irrigation for an additional 65 lakh acres in

the next four years as against 70 lakh acres so far. He was inaugurating a national workshop

on "Value addition to foods: fruits & vegetables" organised by the Association of Food

Scientists & Technologists (India). `Happening place' Stating that Andhra Pradesh was the

happening place, he urged entrepreneurs to invest in the food processing industry. He said

Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University would soon set up a horticulture college and

introduce post-graduate courses. Dr. Reddy said in a major effort, pongamia was being

cultivated in about one lakh acres of marginal soils in Mahabubnagar district. Using the

grafting method, entrepreneurs were hoping to get a remuneration of Rs. 5,000 an acre in five


years which would double in 10 years. "This sort of initiative can transform the State," he told

industrialists attending the workshop. Food-processing In his key-note address, A.S.Bawa,

Director, Defence Food Research Laboratory, said India was processing only 1 per cent of the

total fresh produce in comparison to 70-80 per cent in developed countries. "Excellence in the

trade concerning fruits and vegetables encompasses an entire spectrum of economic, social

and technological perspectives and synergised efforts only will lead us to be one amongst the

major global players in agro-trade," he added. Referring to horticultural produce, he said a

major drawback had been the deficiency in most of our cultivars in being process-friendly, and

called for harnessing the benefits of biotechnological and transgenic methods. He stressed

the need for developing bio-degradable packaging material. P.Ramakrishna, president,

AFST(I), spoke. Acharya N.G. Ranga Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor S. Raghu

Vardhan Reddy released a souvenir brought out on the occasion.

NS greg : Regional Politics | gcat : Political/General News | gcom : Society/Community/Work |

gpir : Politics/International Relations




AN Document THINDU0020051001e1a20005p


HD ̀ PONGAM OIL' GAINING ACCEPTANCE AS BIOFUEL (Karnataka is already blending it with

diesel)

CR Business Line. Sep 23, 2005; pg 19

WC 105 words

PD 23 September 2005


SC WIBI

VOL 0971-7528

LA English


LP Pongam oil is fast gaining acceptance in India as an ideal oil for blending with diesel. Oil mills

in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu have been traditionally extracting pongam oil from pongamia

seeds to cater to requirements of the leather industry and soaps and lubricant manufacturers.

The Transport department in Karnataka has already started operating buses on diesel

blended with 30 percent pongam oil. The state government purchases about 400 tonnes of

pongam oil annually at a price of Rs25-30 per litre.

RF ABSTRACT|DAILY


NS c31 : Marketing | nabst : Abstract | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News | ncat : Content Types |





Natural-Gas | Agriculture-Horticulture-And-Forestry | Forecast-and-market-research


AN Document WIBI000020050926e19n0007i


SE STATES

HD ̀ Pongam oil' gaining acceptance as biofuel

BY R. Balaji

WC 494 words

PD 23 September 2005


SC BSNLNE

PG 19

LA English


LP Chennai , Sept. 22

GUDIYATTAM, in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu could evolve into a hub for biofuel production

particularly pongam oil which is recognised as one of the oils ideal for blending with diesel.

TD Oil mills here have traditionally been extracting pongam oil from pongamia seeds to cater to

the leather industry's demand. Also, soap makers and lubricants manufacturers use this oil.

But with the recent interest in biofuels with the Centre and State Governments encouraging

alternatives to fossil fuels, the oil mills find a new range of customers.

The Karnataka Government, which is experimenting with diesel blended with biofuels

including pongamia oil has sourced pongamia oils from these mills.

According to Mr A.A. Venugopal Chettiar, Proprietor, Bhuvaneshwari Oil Mills, though

pongamia has not caught the fancy of the Tamil Nadu Government, it has taken off in a big

way in Karnataka, where the transport department has operated buses on a diesel blended

with 30 per cent pongamia.


The Government purchases about 400 tonnes of oil a year at about Rs 25-30 a litre.

The Andhra Pradesh Government is also exploring the possibilities and enquiries are on the

increase. In Tamil Nadu, over 2,000 tonnes of pongam oil are produced annually, most of

them in Gudiyattam, he said.

But with the local production of seeds yet to be organised, the mills here could stand to lose if

biofuel production picks up a in a big way. Once the demand for pongam oil as a biofuel is

established, oil mills in other States would set up facilities and seed supply to Tamil Nadu

could be hit, he felt.

The major sources of pongamia seeds areKarnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and

Madhya Pradesh. In Punjab, over 10,000 trees are available but without the labour to pick the

seeds.

Only about 50 per cent of the seeds are available to the oil mills while the rest are wasted.

The reason: the seed is low cost and the wage cost for picking them is too high. The daily

wage labourer has now options that give him about Rs 100 a day but the job of picking

pongam seeds pays about Rs 30 - 40 since the seeds cost about Rs 6 - 7 a kg. This year,

prices have picked up and they range around Rs 10 a kg.

According to Mr G.K. Nagaraj of Jayabharath Oil Mills, pongam is available in Dharmapuri

and Krishnagiri districts in Tamil Nadu. Though he is yet to start supplying the oil as biofuel

there have been enquiries. In Gudiyattam, the major production centre in Tamil Nadu, the

mills process about 4,000 bags (80 kg each) a month.

According to scientists, the area of pongamia in Tamil Nadu must be assessed and the

potential exploited. Pongamia was traditionally grown in paddy fields because their leaves are

used as green manure and the trees fix nitrogen in the soil.

IN ialtful : Alternative Fuels | i1 : Energy | ibioful : Biofuels

NS c11 : Plans/Strategy | ccat : Corporate/Industrial News




AN Document BSNLNE0020050922e19n0002j

Documents

SE YOUNG WORLD BY SONIA PARDESI499214/Appendix_A_Table3l.pdfgadgets run by solar energy at Sri Venkateswara Vignana Mandiram on Sunday, the Minister, as part of the Rajiv Gandhi Akshay