PTTAR to boost investment in jet biofuel

PTT Aromatics and Refinery Plc (PTTAR) has announced plans to boost investments in jet biofuel and biodiesel products, according to the Bangkok Post. PTTAR will ask its board to approve an investment of US$150 million in jet biofuel in October, to serve increasing demand from the aviation sector, for which it is currently conducting a feasibility report, which will include studies on the availability of palm oil, a key biodiesel feedstock, in Thailand. If feasible, the Bangkok Post reports that the company expects to complete environmental and health impact-assessments within one year, with another 18 months for construction. The Nation reports, however, that the project would only be completed by 2014. (September 8, 2010)