Chiang Mai University leads bio-diesel effort
The Energy Management and Conservation Centre (Emac) at Chiang Mai University is spearheading efforts to train community leaders to take advantage of the cost and environmental benefits of bio-diesel.
Its second bio-diesel workshop is training members of communities throughout the country to become fuel self-sufficient. The second workshop kicked off last month and runs until August next year. As many as 500 will be trained in bio-diesel production. "The aim is to help community members cope with rising global oil prices and promote the use of bio-diesel," said Emac director Assoc Prof Prasert Rerkkriangkrai. More than 550 people participated in the first workshop which ran from September 2005 until this July. Once again, training-course costs are 80-per-cent subsidised by the Energy Ministry's Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo). The first workshop saw three model communities built. They are now producing their own bio-diesel from used vegetable oil and oil. The model communities are at tambons Nong Kaew in Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Din in Phichit and Kud Nam Sai in Khon Kaen. "These three communities serve as models for others to study their operation and administration systems. People have shown great interest in joining the workshops. This is an indication of the effects of global oil prices and a move towards self-sufficient energy," the director said. Spaces at the one-day workshops remain open. Just six to eight people are trained each day and receive instruction in production procedures, input materials and safety. They are then equipped to build their own 150-lire-capacity bio-diesel plants. The Bt1,000 course cost includes meals. Contact Emac at (05) 394 2007-9 ext 106.
Atsadaporn Kamthai Citylife CHIANG MAI
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