Balkan biofuel could be on the horizon

With the world price of oil climbing, countries in Southeast Europe are pondering whether they can hope to reduce their dependence on this commodity. Domestic and foreign investors in Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia have embarked on the construction of plants for the production of alternative fuels.

Until recently, the possibility that biodiesel could be used as engine fuel was scoffed at in the Balkans. Not any more. Fuel derived from industrial plants, primarily rapeseed and sunflower, is turning into a significant investment. EU regulations stipulate that at least 2 per cent of diesel on the market this year has to be of plant origin, with an annual increase in market share of 0.75 per cent up to 2010.
Southeast European Times