Locals learn about biofuels of the future at PAPI Roata de Jos
30.01.2012
| How to get biofuels, which are the plants needed to make biodiesel and bioethanol and how to start a business in agriculture? These are just some of the questions of locals from Roata de Jos (Giurgiu) answered in the project called "Biofuels - source of common sustainable development in the cross - border cooperation area”, financed through a Romanian-Bulgarian programme. The courses taking place at PAPI are being taught by specialists from the National Research & Development Institute for Biological Science Bucharest. |
The project started in September, involving the National Research & Development Institute for Biological Science, I.N.M.A. Bucharest, the Anghel Kanchev University Ruse, the Ruse Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Roata de Jos local council.
The project entails setting up cultures of oilseeds like safflower, canola and sorghum mellitus, allowing the production of eco fules like biodiesel and bioethanol. The winner of the tender, now responsible for starting the crops, is engineer Marian Voicu Pâslaru from Roata de Jos.
Workshop at PAPI
PAPI hosted a workshop, at the beginning of December, with more than 70 people in attendance – entrepreneurs, farmers, representatives of local and county authorities. Specialists from the National Research & Development Institute for Biological Science Bucharest offered information about the uses of the three plants. “For all means of transport we use gas and diesel. Since reserves are almost exhausted, alternatives are being sought. I understand there were experiments in using biodiesel in jet planes. For our children, it’s the future”, Marian Voicu Pâslaru says.
After the workshop, he wants to grow experimental crops of two hectares from each plant; based on his results, the area might have a biodiesel factory, generating jobs for locals. “If the crops grow and we get a good price, of course we will adapt; not just me, but all local residents. I am confident that we will have a good harvest”, he says.
A model for the community
Marian Voicu Pâslaru started working in agriculture two years ago. He started a farming cooperative and nowadays he works on 350 hectares of land. He submitted three SAPARD projects and bought modern equipment with EU funds. These machines insured his success at the tender organised as part of the project "Biofuels - source of common sustainable development in the cross - border cooperation area”. “Recently I submitted a 1 million Euros project, because I also want to buy two silos of 2.000 tons each”, he explains.
For locals in Roata de Jos, his success is motivating. Following his lead, many have bought equipment and some are thinking about cultivating the crops which might lead to tomorrow’s fuels.
The project “Biofuels - source of common sustainable development in the cross - border cooperation area” spans 18 months and will include exchanges with Bulgaria.
Online resources :
PAPI Cătina, Viișoara and Sânger promote organic farming
The “Used Oil” Road Tour, funded by Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein