KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is hosting the first ever International Workshop on Advances in Biofuels (IWABF2012) here for two days beginning September 26.
Prof Dr Pogaku Ravindra, from UMS’ School of Engineering and Information Technology, said the workshop would look at both recent trends and the outlook for the future in terms of potential biofuels production.
He said it would also examine the benefits, Biofuels’ costs and policy issues to replace petroleum fuel.
“It takes an international perspective, assessing regional similarities and differences and recent activities around the world,” he told Bernama.
Pogaku said the distinguished delegates and eminent speakers from different countries would attend the workshop.
“The salient feature is the panel discussion involving councillors from 10 countries who can play proactive role in establishing network in the field of biofuels among their respective countries,” he said.
Pogaku said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman was expected to open the gathering.
“The valedictory session will be officiated by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili on Sept 27.
UMS’ Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah and the Dean of the School of Engineering and Information Technology and IWABF2012 chairperon, Assoc Prof Dr Rosalam Sarbatly, would attend the workshop along with other important personalities from the UMS, federal and state governments.
On biofuels’ potential, Pogaku said Biofuels might be easier to commercialise than other alternative fuels, considering performance, infrastructures and other factors.
“Biofuels have the potential to leapfrog traditional barriers to entry because they are liquid fuels, largely compatible with current vehicles and blend-able with current fuels.
“In fact, low-percentage ethanol blends such as E10 (10 per cent ethanol by volume) are already dispensed in many service stations worldwide, with almost no incompatibility with materials and equipment,” he said.
He said the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has initiated application of biofuels in a big way.
It was just one of the many renewable energies NASA studied, he said.
Pogaku also said biofuels could be used in today’s vehicles to reduce global petroleum consumption by 10 per cent or more. — Bernama