NYAGATARE- The Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (IRST) has urged students to help the institute in protecting the environment.

IRST Director General, Dr Jean Baptiste Nduwayezu, made the call while addressing students at SOPEM-Rukomo in Nyagatare District on the use of biodiesel.

"Biodiesel helps in fighting global warming. Its production will help the country become self-sufficient in as far as energy is concerned,” he said.

Nduwayezu demonstrated to students how biodiesel is manufactured.

He challenged them to plant more trees around the school to tap biodiesel for the institute’s use.

"This diesel is manufactured from trees like palm tree oil, Jatropha and Moringa trees…you should start planting these trees as part of protecting our environment,” he said.

In a separate interview, Nduwayezu told The New Times that the use of biodiesel will improve the country’s economy.

"We will be buying raw materials from residents and this will generate income for them hence improving the country’s economy,” he said.

According to IRST marketing officials, biodiesel is cheaper compared to fossil fuels. A litre of biodiesel costs Rwf800 while that of fossil fuels is presently Rwf 1,060.

One of the students, Emery Habarugira, said they are eager to help IRST in its vision to help the country produce environmentally friendly diesel.

Rwanda needs 2, 225 hectares of land to start producing the raw materials used in producing biodiesel.

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