IPB to host int`l conference on jatropha as biofuel feedstock

The Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) will host an international conference on "Researches to The Near Future Business" here from June 24 to 26, 2008.

At least 10 countries will take part in the conference that is to discuss the use of jatropha curcas to make biofuel and the possibility of banning the use of food crops as feedstock to produce biofuel, according to Dr Eng. Erliza Hambali here on Saturday.

Among countries to participate in the meeting will be Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Australia, Canada, Korea, Vietnam and China.

The conference would be organized in cooperation with PT Indocement which is currently investing in jatropha plantation for alternative energy, the Plantation Development and Research Center and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).

"We hope that the meeting will be a forum for exchange of ideas, information and technology among related parties engaged in bio-energy development using jatropha from all over the world," she said.

source: Antara | 21 June 2008