The introduction and potential of Biomass Gasification technology in Eastern Africa.

1. DevelopmentandUtilizationPotentialofBiomassGasificationTechnologyinEasternAfricaRegion
By
James M. Onchieku (PhD)
Bioenergy and Climate Change
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
P.O. Box 64636-00620, Nairobi
Email: jonchiekukefri@yahoo.com
EXECUTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE AND CARBON TRADING WORKSHOP held in
KENYA FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, MUGUGA, 12th–16thNov. 2012

2. PRESENTATIONOUTLINE
1.Overviewofbiomassgasificationtechnologyandutilization
2.StateofbiomassgasificationtechnologyinKenyaanditspotentialroleinclimatechangemitigation
3.ChallengesandopportunitiesinBGTinKenya
4.Conclusions
5.Recommendations
12/11/2012
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3. 12/11/2012
1.0 Overview of BGT&U
Gasification-Definition
–Thermo-chemicalprocessforconversionofcarbonaceousmaterial(biomass)atelevatedtemperatureinO2deficientatmosphere(partialcombustion)intoitsbasiccomponents
1.Combustiblegasofcarbonmonoxide,hydrogenknownas“synthesisgas”or“syngas”and
2.Methaneorproducergasor“towngas”;lesseramountsofcarbondioxide,water,andothers.
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4. RATIONALE FOR BIOMASS GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
oTraditional wood-fires
–Associated with -ve impacts
•lack of convenience, emissions of smoke, carbon monoxide and soot (black carbon)and forest degradation –Indoor Air Pollution
•Improved technology as substitute for traditional sources of energy
oGrowingconcernwithglobalclimatechange
oRapidlyevolvingREtechnologyoverashorttime-span
oIncreasingenergydemandanderraticprices12/11/2012
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5. 12/11/2012
Components of Biomass Gasification System Gasifierapplications
•Tofuelinternalcombustion(IC)enginesforelectricpowergeneration, irrigation,grainmilling,sawingoftimberetc–powergasifier
•Tofuelexternalburnerstoproduceheatforboilers,dryers,ovens,orkilns-Heatgasifiers<1MW
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6. •Gasificationusedassubstitutetonaturalgas,asbasicchemicalprocessforsyngasproductionandsubsequentsyngasconversiontootherchemicalproducts
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7. 12/11/2012
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8. 12/11/2012Biomass to Syngas Conversion pathways
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9. 12/11/2012Producer gas constituents and hazards9

10. 12/11/2012
Updraft gas producerDisadvantage:ExcessivetarbecauseairisintroducedintodownwardflowingpackedbedorsolidfuelsandgasisdrawnoffatthebottomLoweroverallefficiencyanddifficultiesinhandlinghighermoistureandashcontentThetime(20-30minutes)neededtoigniteandbringplanttoworkingtemperaturewithgoodgasqualityisshorterthanupdraftgasproducerPreferredtoupdraftgasifierforICengines. Downdraft gas producer
Consists of two defined reaction zones.
Drying, low-temperature carbonization, and cracking of gases occur in the upper zone, while permanent gasification of charcoal takes in lower zone.
The gas temperature lies between 460 to 520oC.
Total process takes place with under pressure of -30 mbar.
Twin-fire gasifier produces fairly clean gas. Disadvantages: High exit gas temperature, poor CO2reduction and high gas velocityAsh bin, fire and reduction zone are separated. Design characteristics limit type of fuel for operation to low ash fuelsLoad following ability quite good due to conc. partial zones operating at temps. up to 2000oC. Start up time (5-10 minutes) is much faster than UD and DD units. Its higher temperature has effect on gasOperate well on dry air blast and dry fuel. Hasclearlydefinedzonesforpartialcombustion,reduction,andpyrolysis. Airintroducedatbottomandactascountercurrenttofuelflow.Thegasisdrawnathigherlocation. Achieveshighestefficiencyasthehotgaspassesthroughfuelbedandleavesgasifieratlowtemperature. Thesensibleheatgivenbygasisusedtopreheatanddryfuel. Disadvantages:Excessiveamountoftarinrawgasandpoorloadingcapability.Henceitisnotsuitableforrunningvehicle.
Twin-fire gas producer
Crossdraftgas producer
Types of Gas Producers (Gasifiers)
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11. Comparison of updraft and downdraft gasifiers
12/11/2012
GAS CLEANING AND COOLING
•Dust removal at temperature above tar dew point (app. 300°C)
•Tars removal at intermediate temperatures (above 100 °C)
•Water removal at (30-60°C).
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12. 12/11/2012
•Gas cleaning and cooling is by a cyclone, a gas cooler with some scrubbing action and a packed bed filter.
•Gas cooling increases density of gas to maximize amount of gas entering engine cylinder.
•Wet scrubbers used to remove gaseous pollutants and solid particles;
•Packing bed scrubber consists of packing, liquid, support grates and distributors plates.
•Gas passed through bottom and removed at top.
•Fabricfilterisforvehicleapplication;placedimmediatelyaftercyclone.
•Filterwithglass-fiberclothcanwithstandgastemperatureunpo300oC.
•Filterperformancedependsontypeofgasifier,fuelMCandhowvehicleisdriven.
•Recommendedthatgasflowratethro’filterboxshouldnotexceed65m3/hr.
•Pressurelossoverfilteraffectedbyloadandamountofdustinproducergas.
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13. 1.1 Sustainable supply of suitable fuels
o Adequate quantities
oConsistency in quality
o Processing & packaging
o Accessibility
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14. Biomass fuels utilization pathways
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15. Suitability criteria for biomass fuels
Physico-chemicalandthermalproperties
1.Moisture content -8 to 20 % recommended
2.Energy content –HHV (gross energy) and LHV (Net energy)
3.Particle size and distribution –Determines rate of air and heat flow
4.Form of the fuel –Processing techniques
5.Bulk density -Ratio of weight over total volume; fuel density -available energy on weight basis, MJ/Kg
6.Volatile matter content ->70% (water, tar, oils, gases)
7.Ash content –Cause slugging and clinker formation; <5% best
8.Reactivity of fuel -Determines rate of reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide in the gasifier
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16. Some fuels and ash content
12/11/2012
Fuel
Ash content % weight
Fuel
Ash content % weight
Alfalfa seed straw
6.0
peanut husks
0.9
Barley straw
10.3
Rice hulls
16-23
Charcoal
2-5
Safflower straw
6.0
Coffee hulls
1.3
Walnut shell
1.1
Coal
5-17
Wheat stalks
7.4
Cotton grin thrash
17.2
Wood chips
0.1
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17. Some fuel properties12/11/2012
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18. 2.0 The state of biomass gasification in Kenya
Some Facts
•Energy sector policy and legal framework realigned to Vision 2030 and MDGs
•Energy sector vision
–Promote equitable access to quality energy services
–Promote development and use of alternative sources of energy
–Expand access of electricity to rural areas
–Design incentive packages
•77% of the population are not connected to electricity
•Electricity demand:supply ratio = 1,191 MW: 1,429 MW
•Generation sources: hydro, diesel thermal, and geothermal plants
•Biomass based power ?? Co-generation?? Negligible
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19. Some Facts ... Contd
Favourablepolicy(2004)andlegislation(2005)
–Importdutywaiverandtaxesonequipment
–Taxholidaysfor10yearsanddividendincomesfrominvestmentsfor7years
–Feed-inTariffspolicy(FiT)forcapacities<40MW. US$8.0centsperkWh
–FiTPolicyprovidesforrevieweverythree
–Generationofelectricityandtransmissionupto3MWwithoutalicense
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20. National Energy Mix
12/11/2012
34.3
48.5
1
12.9
1.7
0.3 1.2
51.2
13.2
0.9 1.8
0.4
31.4
1.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Large Hydro
Smal l Hydro
Geoth ermal
Co-generati on (biomass)
Wind
Thermal (Fossil)
Off Gr id (Fossil)
ENERGY TYPE
PERCENTAGE
% of installed capacity
% of effective capacity
Where is generation from biomass
Gasification technologies??
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21. Biomass energy resources in Kenya
12/11/2012
Forest wastes / residues
Uses
Sources
1.wastes
1.Poles/postsforhorti- andflori-culturalfarming
2.Fuelwoodandcharcoal
3.Fencing
1.Non-commercialthinnings
2.Topsbreakages, branchespruning
2.Factorywastes
1.Sawdust-poultryfarming
2.Organicfertiliser
3.Fencingmaterial
1.Sawmills
2.Furnitureandjoineryshops
Agricultural wastes / residues
Uses
Sources
1.Cereal-based
1.Wheat,Maize,Barley,andRicehusksandstraw
1.Hayforanimals
2.Energyforboilers
3.Organicfertiliser
1.Largescalefarmers
2.Peasantfarmers
2.Temporaryindustrialcrops
1.Pineapples,Sugarcanebaggasse,Cottonfibres
1.Woodfuelforboilersandincinerators
2.Fuelwood
1.Smallscalefarmers
2.Commercialfarmers
3.Permanentcrop-based
1.Coffee,Sisal,Coconuts, Wattle,Cashewnuts
1.Asabove
1.Commercialandsmallscalefarmersforfibresandhusks
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22. 2.0.1 Stakeholder Analysis
1.Government of Kenya
–MOE (ERC, REA, KPLC, KETRACO, IPPs, Energy Tribunal)
–KEFRIimplementing1pilotprojectonbioelectricitywithsupportfromFinnishGovtthro’EEPand1projectonmicro-gasificationfordomesticuseandbiochargenerationforsoilamendment`withsupportfromUNDP
12/11/2012
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23. 12/11/2012
1. Partners – Ministry of Energy, Energen Africa International and
Multi Media University
2. Capacity building of various stakeholders to strengthen and
enhance their knowledge and understanding on Biomass
Gasification Technology and its Utilization
 Complete Training Kit (TK) on BGT&U
 Training of Stakeholders on BGT&U using value chain
approach
 Workshop proceedings available
3. Comprehensive Database on Current and Potential Biomass
Fuels for Bioelectricity Generation
 Based on physico-chemical properties and thermal properties
4. Develop model for sustainable biomass supply chain
5. Design, install and demonstrate performance of Modified
DownDraft Imbert Gasifier to stakeholders for upscaling and
commercialisation
KEFRI’s Pilot Project on Bioelectricity generation
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24. 12/11/2012
Improved clay stoves
Biochar preparationMixing biochar for trials
Measuring soil moisture
Plants amended with biochar
Food security –Rural clean energy nexus
KEFRI/MOE/UNDP’sPilotProjectonMicro-GasificationforDomesticuseandbiocharproduction
Food security –Rural clean energy nexus
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25. Project status –Show Training video
1.Trainingkitonmicro-gasificationforpowerathouseholdlevelandbiocharproduction
2.Trainedatleast15artisansonmicro- gasificationtechnology
PracticalsonmakingTLUDstovesandtestingthestovesonemissionsandPM
3.PilotinganddemonstratingperformanceofthestovesinselectedhouseholdsNext
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26. Training artisans on TLUDs and Biochar12/11/2012Show more on video on lectures and practicals if time allows
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27. Domesticandinstitutionalcleanstovesprogramme

12/11/2012
1.Implementers
MOE –Coordination and policy and legislation
ERC –Lead agency in formulation and development of legislation
KeBS -Lead agency in formulation and development of Standards
KEFRI –Database of suitable biomass fuels and their sustainable supply
University of Nairobi, KEFRI and KIRDI – Performance testing of stoves
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28. •TowerPower(K)LtdtoputuptwobiomasspowerplantsinMariakaniandBaringowithestimatedtotalcapacityof23MWusingProsopisjuliflora(Mathenge)asfeedstock
•ConstructanIndustrialParktobenefitcommunities
•Potentialtocreatedirectandindirectemploymenttoover1000beneficiaries
•Mogotio&ReaVipingowheresisalwastewillbeusedasfeedstocktogenerateapprox.1.5MWe
•E-ZEnergycarryingoutfeasibilitystudiestogenerate30MWofbioelectricityinTurkanausingP.Juliflora
12/11/2012
2.0.2LocalandInternationalInvestors28

29. 2.1 Role of biogasification technology in climate change mitigation
•CleanenergytechnologygeneratingCombinedHeatandPower(CHP)withoutGHGemissions
•Utilisescarbonneutralfeedstockcurrentlyhavingminimaleconomicapplications
•Biochargeneratedasby-producthaspotentialofcarbonsequestrationandascarbonsinkbesidesimprovingsoils
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30. Biogasification technology vs climate change mitigation
•Reduced deforestation due to access to clean energy from bioelectricity
•Increased reforestation for sustainable supply of fuels for bioelectricity from purposely grown energy plantations
–Precipitation in form of flashfloods minimised
12/11/2012
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31. 2.0 Challenges
Technicalandnon-technicalbarriershavesloweddoneinvestmentsinbiomassgasificationtechnology. Unliketheemergingeconomies(ChinaandIndia)andEuropewheretechnologyisadvancedandalwaysevolving,theregionlackreliableandhighqualitytechnologytransferframeworkwhichworksandcanbeupscaledandcommercialised
Lackofadequategoodwillandbasicincentivestoincreaseproductionoflignocellulosicenergycropshenceuncertaintyofsustainablesupplyofbiomassfuels.Whyareweunabletodevelopviablebusinessmodelstospursustainablesupply?
12/11/201231

32. •Unfavourablepolicy,legalandinstitutionalstructuressuchthatdriversofbioelectricity/bioheat(smallCHPs) suchasfeed-intariffregimes,greencertificatesandtaxholidaysareweak.Policymakersandinvestorsrequireinformationonbioenergythatcanleadtodevelopmentofinvestmentplansandwealthcreation
•LackstrategicpartnershipandlinkagesinResearchforDevelopmentandDeployment(R4DD)inbiomasssolid, liquidandgaseousenergysectorduetounavailabilityofrelevantfacilitiesduetoweakandunde
12/11/2012
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33. 3.0 Opportunities in biogasification technology12/11/2012Opportunity No.1. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Gasifiers
•There is potential to supply rural households with piped cooking wood gas, heat for drying processes and small scale bioelectricity for lighting market, health and social centres
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34. Applications –Which way for the region for CHP???
1.LSapplications(>500kW):specializedfluidisedbedorfixedbedinstallations.Equipmentcustombuilt,fullyautomized.Costs~US$ 1000perinstalledkWandupwards
2.MSapplications(30-500kW):FBequipment.Costrange300-800US$/kW(gasifieronly).UsedinS&Msizeindustries(2owdind., s/mills,coconutdesiccatingfactories,etc.),powerforremotecommunities
3.SSapplications(7-30kW):Villageapplications(e.g.villagemaizeandcerealmills,small-scalesugarcrushersetc.).Cost<150US$/kW,extremelyreliableandrequiresnospecialoperationandmaintenanceskills
4.Microscaleapplications(1-7kW):Usedbysmallandmediumfarmerstoprovidepowerforirrigationsystems.Mobileequipment
12/11/2012
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35. 12/11/2012
A simple Gasifier System
Hosahalli Gasifier A simple Gasifier Assembly
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36. Opportunity No. 2: Sustainable production and processing of biomass fuels
Purposely grown energy crops, e.g. Bamboo, P. juliflora
Initiate Biomass Trade Centres / Business models
Community contract schemes
Land lease agreements with National and County Governments
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37. Opportunity No. 3: Processing and packaging fuels for
biogasification
12/11/2012
3. Pelletizing Process
• Extrusion process – Sized, dried and
conditioned feedstock conveyed thro’
extruder to form pellets of uniform size,
moisture and density
• Cooling process – Temp. of pelletized
wood is ~60-80oC with ~15% MC. Pass it
thro’ cooler to reduce MC to ~3-4%
1. Masticating Process:
Sort, masticate and blend waste wood and other
feedstock into pellets of uniform size and MC
2 Drying Process:
Convey feedstock to rotary dryer to dry
feedstock from 60% MC to ~15-20% MC
4. Packaging Process
After cooling, package pellets for
storage into 800-1000kgs per bag
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38. 12/11/2012
a) Hand shaped briquettesb) Simple mould from a perforated bottle and variations of briquettesII) Lever-presses (wet pulp, low-moderate pressure) a) Paper-brick Makerb) Wooden pressesI) Manual briquetting options (wet pulp, low pressure4.0 Lack of state-of-the-art fuel processing & packaging Technology -Densification techniques
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39. 12/11/2012III) Briquetting options: medium pressure, moist-dry feedstocka) Screw-type extruder pressesBriquette sale by bicycle in Daccab) Piston pressBriquette-making from saw-dust with a hydraulic press in Karamoja (Uganda) 39

40. IV) Biomass Pelletising
12/11/2012
a) Flat-die pressesMaxi-pellets‘ pressed through 20- mm-holes of a flat-die at a rate of 50-80 kg/h, depending on materialRollers pushing sawdust through the holes of a small 210 mm diameter flat-die diskb) Ring-die pressesRing-die press from AgriconSA in actionRing-die press
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41. Opportunity No. 4: Tapping into the Carbon Markets
•Strengthening and enhancing linkages and partnership within the region
–European Bioenergy Conferences
•Technologies from European companies and Institutions of higher learning e.g. Finland, Sweden, Austria, United Kingdom and Australia
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42. Case study 1
•Gasifier total package ~ US$80-90,000. Use a spark head Caterpillar (Natural Gas base) in the 70-90 kWe range.When derated for Syngas it would yield roughly 30- 40kWe (depending on the feedstock).
•The good news is, that we can definitively show that for under 150,000 Euros a community can organize a Forestry Management program, and generate all their own power without importing a drop of fuel, and without injury to the environment.Sustainable energy with sustainable forestry and agriculture......
•In purely economic terms, consider that the electrical rates in Nairobi which are between 28-36 cents(US) per kWeH.This system will harvest, process, and deliver roughly 20,000 kWeH per month, at roughly 32 cents per kWeH that's worth around US$6,400 a month, which means that the system pays for itself in less than a year and a half... roughly 16 months.It would seem that there is huge justification for this package on those grounds alone.
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43. The Energy Resources Institute (TERI)
•Completehardware-Biomassgasifierreactor,cleaningandcoolingequipment’sandanengine.Thecleaningsystemconsistsofaheatexchanger,cycloneseparator,venturescrubber,baghousefilterandapaperfilter.TheEngineprovidedshallbeastandardmakewatercooledenginewithalternator.
•Supply costs
–PRICE FOR GASIFIER SYSTEM 1 No USD 42,000 ~Kshs3,570,000
–PRICE FOR THE GAS ENGINE 1 No USD 38,000 ~Kshs3,230,000 i.e. Cummins make MODEL –855G.
•Supervision for design and installation inclusive of air travel, accommodation and meals –Kshs1,500,000
•Training of local engineers and technical staff –Kshs1,000,000
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44. ECONOMICS OF A BIOMASS GASIFICATION POWER PLANT(55 kWein Pure Gas mode )
The capital cost includes all equipment, building and projectdevelopment. It does not include the costs of land and gridconnection, if any.
Gasifier rating (Biomass throughout)
kg/h
65
Engine rating in pure diesel mode
kVA
110
Engine rating in gas fuel mode
kw
55
Capital cost of the Plant (after subsidy)
Rs. Lakhs
13.5
Equity
%
70
Dividend on equity
%
10
Loan
%
30
Interest Rate
%
13
Repayment period
years
10
Average Load
kWe
40
Diesel Price
Rs./Lt.
22,00
Total CO2 savings
Tons/yr.
125-250
12/11/2012
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45. 4.0 CONCLUSION
1.AlthoughbiomassgasificationtechnologyanditsutilizationisinitsnascentstagesinKenya,therearemanyinitiativestowardsdevelopmentanddeploymentofthetechnologybyGovernmentanditsleadinstitutions,local&internationalNGOsandinvestors
2.Biomassgasificationtechnologyhashighpotentialintheregionduetoinsecurityofsupplyofconventionalfossilfuels,availabilityofbiomassfuelsinabundance, cheaplabourandincreasingtechnicalknowhow
3.DownDraft Imbert gasifiers being comparatively easy to build and operate, are the most appropriate for the region as a source of decentralized bioelectricityand bioheatsupply to rural communities and industries.
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46. 4.0 CONCLUSION
•Bioelectricity has huge role in climate change mitigation
–Carbon neutral; Sequestration and carbon sink using biochar
•Reduced deforestation and increased reforestation of purposely grown energy plantations
•Fossil fuels substitution especially kerosene by increased access to bioelectricity to households
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47. 4.1 Recommendations
1.Weneedrealisticandpracticaltechnologytransferonbiogasificationwithstrongcountrylevel/communitylevelownership
2.Weneedtodevelopabusiness-basedmodelonsustainablefuelssupplytoensuretechnologysustainability
3.Weneedtostrengthenourstrategicpartnershipandlinkagesintheregiontobenefitfromeconomiesofscale
12/11/2012
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48. 12/11/2012
THANK YOU ATTENTION
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
END OF PRESENTATION MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF FUELS MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF FUELS 48