A national E10 policy could also be backed up by a B10 policy (that is a mix of 10% bio-diesel into imported diesel). This would open the way for new coconut plantations, the planting of coconut trees on marginal lands (and even along river beds), and the activation of demand for existing coconut farmers. In addition to bio-diesel, coconuts have many other agro-industrial applications like bottling of water and co-generation of electricity from coconut waste/husk/shell to complement the sugar bagasse co-generation network. Coconut trees also absorb carbon from the atmosphere and therefore, in principle, could allow coconut farmers to claim carbon credits as these markets develop in the post-Copenhagen agreement. Finally, the national renewable energy policy would save foreign exchange (as the import of oil and diesel is diminished) and promote energy independence. It also opens up new industries and processes for GuySuCo – the thing that really matters for development. Thus it is possible to save the environment, engender wealth and jobs, and obtain energy security simultaneously. This is the real meaning of viability (a social viability) and not mere short-term quick fixes.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:49:15 +0000
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