Uncertain future for Czech Republic

As with many countries reduced demand for diesel in the past few months has had an impact on the sector in the Czech Republic. And added to this future blend rates are not yet set.

Total production capacity in the Czech Republic is about 300,000 tonnes a year but use is only around 40%.

The government proposal which has been sent to the Czech Parliament suggests a change to the Air Protection Law to increase the biodiesel blend rate to 6.3% e.v (from the current 4.5) and 4.5% e.v in petrol (from the current 3.5%).

‘There now seems to be a mutual agreement that the blend levels will increase to 6% biodiesel and 4.1% ethanol,’ explains Martin Kubu, chairman of local biodiesel producer Preol.

‘Although with the election in May we’re unconvinced this will happen any time soon and even with the projected blend increase being discussed the Czech Republic will not hit its targets.

Preol has just completed constructing a state-of-the art fully integrated biodiesel plant in the industrial region of Lovosice.

The plant, designed by Desmet Ballestra and costing more than €60 million, has the capacity to produce 100,000 tonnes of FAME biodiesel and 10,000 tonnes a year of pharma quality glycerine.

It also has an integrated oil mill capable of processing 400,000 tonnes of rapeseed a year and 160,000 tonnes of rapeseed oil, as well as 230,000 tonnes of rape meal.

Those wanting to visit this plant can do so by registering for the upcoming Bioenergy International expo & conference in Prague on 5-6 May. The price for the conference includes a biodiesel plant tour on 4th May and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis

Key speakers at the event include H.E. Mr. Jan Dusík, Minister of the Environment for the Czech Republic, Ivan Soucek, CEO, Ceska Rafinerska, Marc Gillmann, Bioenergy expert, Total, Miroslav Bažata, Head of biofuel sales, Agropodnik, Robert Gmyrek, Director, Biofuels Department, PKN Orlen, Dag Roger Rinde, CEO, Statoil, Jaroslav Pešek, Head of quality and strategic reserves department, ?epro and many more.

It is organised by leading global publication Biofuels International magazine. If you haven’t already registered, do so now at www.biofuelsinternationalexpo.com Registration starts from as little as €575 a day, and register before 1st April for a further 10% discount.

For further information visit www.biofuelsinternationalexpo.com or contact Margaret Garn +44 208 687 4126 margaret@biofuels-news.com
The full conference programme can be viewed at http://www.biofuelsinternationalexpo.com/conf_prog.html