The Angkor Hospital for Children Biodiesel Project - The Story So Far
Biodiesel Cambodia has agreed to supply the materials and the knowledge to set up a biodiesel refinery that is able to produce up to 600litres of biodiesel per day. Biodiesel Cambodia has also provided the knowledge and management to plant and manage 40ha of Jatropha Curcas plantation. The use of the 40ha of land, near to Siem Reap, has been kindly donated by individuals.
The oil from the seeds of this Jatropha crop will be used as feedstock for the biodiesel refinery. Biodiesel Cambodia has also organised for the collection of used-cooking oil from hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap which will also be used as a feedstock for the biodiesel refinery.
A nursery was constructed on-site, where the Jatropha plants were grown. An irrigation pond and well was dug, a house for accommodation was built, the biodiesel refinery and warehouse was built, and the land was cleared and ploughed ready for planting. After 45 days in the nursery, the Jatropha seedlings were planted into the ground by a local labour force.
It is expected that the first seed harvests will arrive in mid-2008, at which time they will be crushed using an oil expelling machine. The oil from this process will be used to make biodiesel and the remaining seedcake will be used as an organic fertiliser.
Funding for this project has been kindly donated by Friends Without Borders and Angkor Bioenergy
