Science & Technology (alternative energy)

Today is an important milestone in the history of biofuels; the first 60,000 tonne load of palm oil based biofuel leaves Malaysia for Germany. The government is proud, and is working on cloning and replanting strategies to increase yield to one tonne of fresh fruit bunches per hectare and 26% extraction rate. Demand (and prices) are climbing . Meanwhile, 87% of deforestation in Malaysia was due to the creation of new palm oil plantations. Brazil is being turned into a soybean plantation Canada is going sea-to-sea canola. Biodiversity is trampled and food costs soar to keep our cars running as if nothing has changed. As of today it has- cute local Bio-willie or grow-your-own biofuel has gone big business. ::Malaysia Star