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职称英语考试阅读判断试题练习 14.Biodiesel 生物柴油 Yuthachai of Thailand has invented a home-grown alternative to expensive imported diesel, a biodiesel derived from vegetable oil. Biodiesel is winning political backing in Thailand because it uses coconut and palm oil, both of which are in price slumps, and it limits the reliance on overseas petroleum source, which have become increasingly expensive. Yuthachai, 56, has patented his coconut-oil fuel-making process. He developed his biodiesel 18 years ago, using knowledge he gained from working on a plantation and fixing farm machinery. He now sells his fuel at service stations, but refuses to sell his patent, despite attractive offers from overseas oil firms. He is determined to retain control of his formula and keep it accessible to farmers, so they can make their own fuel. There are several formulations of biodiesel, but Yuthachais is one of the most basic, using 20 parts crude coconut oil to one part kerosene. It requires only simple, affordable technology to make and works in unmodified, slow-running engines. Despite the public interest in biodiesel, the government has been cautious about Yuthachais fuel. Since there is currently no regulatory system for vegetable-oil fuels, Yuthachai fuel cannot be used in regular vehicles. But farmers and ferry operators are more enthusiastic, buying 700,000 liters a day of biodiesel made from crude vegetable oils to run farm machines and boats. Demand is growing: A liter of biodiesel is 46 US cents cheaper than diesel. | 
