Palestino gasolina – Foto: Mohammed al-Hajjar/Instagram (@mhmed_hajjar)
In the war-torn Gaza Strip, fuel shortages have driven young Palestinians to produce gasoline and biodiesel from PET bottles and discarded sandals. In makeshift refineries, they use pyrolysis, a thermochemical process, to convert plastic waste into bio-oil, fueling cars, motorcycles, and generators. In Brazil, researchers at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) are developing a similar project, creating sustainable fuels from plastics and biomass. Started in 2022, the initiative aims to reduce carbon footprints and repurpose waste.
In Gaza, production occurs under hazardous conditions, using coal-heated barrels without proper safety gear, posing health risks. At UFRN’s laboratory, the process is controlled, utilizing industrial waste and sisal mucilage. The Brazilian research has gained international attention, with ongoing tests to meet standards set by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP).
- Main raw materials used:
- Plastic waste from packaging and tires.
- Sisal biomass, abundant in Northeast Brazil.
- Low-recyclability industrial scraps.
The Palestinian initiative, though risky, inspires sustainable solutions in crisis contexts.
Production process in Gaza
Young Palestinians heat plastics in barrels at 450 to 650°C without oxygen to produce bio-oil. The product is cooled with water and sold at low prices. The resulting smoke raises concerns, with experts warning of respiratory harm from prolonged exposure.
Health risks to workers
The lack of protective gear, such as masks and gloves, exposes workers to toxic gases. Local doctors report a rise in respiratory issues among refinery workers. Soot from makeshift stations pollutes urban air. Humanitarian organizations seek safer alternatives for the process.
Brazilian research progresses
UFRN’s Environmental Technology Laboratory (Labtam) has studied pyrolysis since 2022. The project combines plastic waste with sisal biomass, abundant in the Northeast. The goal is to create a fuel blendable with conventional gasoline and diesel. Early results are promising for future engine tests.
Sustainability in focus
Brazil produces 7 million tons of plastic annually, per the Joaquim Nabuco Foundation. UFRN’s research offers a sustainable use for this waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The project promotes a circular economy by repurposing discarded materials.
Local economic impact
Sisal mucilage, a low-value byproduct, gains new worth in bio-oil production. Northeast rural producers may benefit from enhanced sisal value.
Path to regulation
The ANP sets strict fuel standards in Brazil. UFRN’s bio-oil must meet these to become commercially viable. Engine combustion tests are planned for coming years. The research could shape waste management policies.
Global solution in sight
The Palestinian initiative, though makeshift, underscores the need for sustainable solutions in extreme contexts. UFRN collaborates with researchers in Zaragoza, Spain, to refine the process. Synthetic fuel could cut emissions and repurpose plastic waste, aligning with global sustainability goals.
