Despite the fact that the Petrobras Company already uses recycling waste of the Tilapia fish it must be notice that the use of fish oil as a raw material requires further research.
Pilot production of the biodiesel started in the municipality of Kishada, State of Ceara. According to the representative of the company, the monthly shipments of waste processing of fish are 15 tons. About 300 of the fish farms, which are cultivating tilapia, will be suppliers.
Petrobras Company see the fish oil as a new kind of raw material, not previously used as a main component in the production of the biodiesel. Today the fish oil is mixed with other raw material sources, such as processed soybean products.
In addition, there are a number of economic reasons to continue of the researches in this field. In particular, the Brazilian legislation prohibits the use of imported raw materials in the production of the biodiesel.
Thus, since the foreign farmers have no access to the Brazilian market, it allows developing of 600 family fish farms located in the region. "We started using tilapia processing waste, as this is our regional product, and we will use other types of fish oil, including the species of sea fish, as soon as possible" - said the management of the Petrobras Company.
To date, it is planned to attract the large fish processors as suppliers, as social programs provide the Petrobras Company focused on small business.
Thus, the representatives of local businesses will be able to increase their income through the sale of waste, which will allow the economic development of one of the poorest regions of the country.
Its important to notice that the Petrobras Company and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Brazil signed a memorandum of mutual understanding on the development of joint research programs to intensify the processing of fish waste as a feedstock for the biodiesel production.
