Nandan Biomatrix to boost biodiesel production

Indias Nandan Biomatrix has come out with a plan to develop bio-investment eco industrial zones (BIEZ). Managing Director V. Bhaskara Rao said at a press conference that several BIEZs would be set up across the country involving public-private and panchayat partnership to develop jatropha plantations and produce biodiesel under a contract farming method in 20 lakh (two million) acres spread across the country. While the Shapoorji Pallonji group would build the infrastructure to produce biodiesel, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) has tied up with Nandan Biomatrix to purchase the entire produce for blending in diesel fuel. Nandan formed a company with Alphakat GmbH of Germany, which would provide the technology to produce biodiesel. The patented breakthrough technology would be used to produce biodiesel from jatropha at Rs14 (US$0.33) a liter. Platinum Energy, a Malaysian partner of Nandan, would procure the seeds to supply farmers, as well as develop the catchment area for the BIEZ, said company representative Sushi S. Sidhu. (May 9, 2008)