Unelco runs generator on coconut oil

The Pacific Islands, many of whose economies are agriculture-based, could experience new investment as a result of the renewed interest in alternative energy. Economists say that improving economies in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe with resulting improvement in living standards are likely to drive the investment. Unelco in New Caledonia has installed new power generation on the Loyalty Islands that runs solely on coconut oil. Taking up this idea, Unelco Vanuatu began experimenting with diluting diesel for one of the generators with 5% coconut oil in June 2005, equivalent to 7,000 liters of oil a week. In September 2005, dilution was increased to 10% and in November 2005, the company began a 5% dilution program with its main power generator. (July 27, 2007)