Karoch (Pongamia pinnata)- An alternative source of biofuel in Bangladesh

The economy of Bangladesh is growing upwards. The per capita net income increased from US$533 in 2008 to US$1044 in 2013. The economic indicator indicates that the energy consumption increased sharply in recent years. Although the per capita energy and electricity consumption are 208.8 kilogram oil equivalent and 278.9 kilowatt hour, respectively. The power generation is mainly dependent on natural gas. The gas production already has reached at sealing point. Petroleum import got priority as immediate alternative source of energy to boot up the power generation. Because of this, the country faces big challenges for meeting energy demand by imported petroleum to increasing growth of industries. Biofuel could be one of the alternatives for future energy source as well as it is environment friendly as it reduces greenhouse gases. Karoch tree (Pongamia Pinnata) is one of the native sources of biofuel which grows abundantly anywhere in Bangladesh and in this sub-continent. This tree is strong timberous, has long life and its seed has 25 –35% non-edible oil which could be used as biodiesel and seed cake could be used as fertiliser or solid fuel. This study focuses the potential production area of Karoch tree, production of biodiesel from karoch, CO2 reduction and Life cycle assessment of Karoch tree in Bangladesh.