PTT set to allocate funds in alternative-fuel R&D

PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas flagship, has a one-billion-baht (US$28.7 million) research and development budget for alternative fuels and products related to oil and chemicals, according to executive vice-president Songkiert Tansamrit. As part of its fuel innovation scheme, PTT announced its successful cooperation in developing biodiesel formulas with Japan’s leading heavy truck maker, Hino Motors. Songkiert said PTT also worked with Toyota Motors, General Motors and Thailand’s Sammitr Motors to establish quality warranties for various types of biofuel, such as oil from jatropha and grease from poultry. PTT has also worked with universities such as King Mongkut Institute of Technology, Kasetsart University and Chulalongkorn to develop biodiesel from algae and plant cellulose. (January 15, 2009)