The Indian Institute of Science has found a substitute for diesel. An official press release of the institute says that the oil obtained from the seed of Pongamia pinnata (Honge oil) has the potential for use as fuel in place of diesel.
The oil has to be pre-heated for use since the viscosity of the oil is much higher than that of diesel at room temperature.
The power output of the diesel engine remains almost the same though the calorific value of Honge oil is slightly lower.
The initial problems especially relating to choking of filters while using Honge oil can, however, be overcome easily, said the release.
In terms of quantity, however, the production of this fuel can be nowhere near that of diesel, however, it can still be used by farmers and small users in meeting their daily energy requirements like running pump sets, etc. provided large-scale plantation of Pongamia can be undertaken.
As per the data available with the Botanical Survey of India, Pongamia can also be cultivated even in states like Rajasthan. Though there is no managed or organised cultivation of Pongamia in the country, a plant in Jodhpur produces Pongamia seeds.
The Pongamia tree is highly resistant to termites and is also highly tolerant of salinity and can be grown along the roadsides.
