Diesel is the prime source of power for equipment and machinery used in industrial and agriculture sector. The cost of diesel and its transportation charges, account for a large percentage in the farm expenses. Also, the continuous increase in petroleum prices has caused significant erosion in the foreign exchange reserves of developing countries like India. Due to the increasing demand for energy and in view of the deteriorating effect of petroleum on environment, it has become essential not only to use the existing non-renewable fossil fuels conservatively and efficiently, but also to explore other sources of energy. Such sources of energy that would be renewable, cost effective, low technology based and are non-damaging to the environment. One such potential source of energy is the oil derived from the seeds of karanj tree (Pongamia Pinnata). With the use of karanj oil, as an alternative to diesel, a farmer can become self-sufficient in his energy requirements. Moreover, he would also be contributing towards a healthier environment and in reducing the dependence of the nation on other countries for oil imports. The research work carried out mainly is a comprehensive investigation into the possibility of using renewable fuel (karanj oil) along with LPG in dual fuel engine and comparing the results with those obtained in single fuel mode. Karanj oil is an inedible vegetable oil. High viscosity of vegetable oils poses problems in long term engine operations. Hence, viscosity of karanj oil was reduced by blending and transesterification process.

Keywords: Industrial and Agriculture Sector, Environment, Non-Renewable Fossil Fuels, Karanj Oil.