Bio Diesel - Jatropha

"The Centre for Jatropha Promotion & Biodiesel (CJP) is working towards scientific commercialization of nonfood biodiesel trees/crops that will lend credibility; reliability and scalability with regards to food security, energy security and sustainable development and carbon savings. With an effort to 'grow beyond oil', apart from Jatropha, CJP has identified, developed and cultivated as many as 15 non-food oil crops. With years of continuing research, experiments and trials has provided an adage to find and develop 2nd generation biodiesel feedstock with low cost input technology.

The CJP for Failsafe Energy Farming (www.jatrophabiodiesel.org ) was created in 2003 , the first entity to introduce commercial farming of Jatropha and since then working as a platform for multidisciplinary multifeedstocks research into all aspects of nonfood energy farming. The CJP intensified its collaborative research approach with regards to perennial oil seeds bearing tree like Pongamia Pinnata, Moringa oliferia, Jojoba, simarouba, Mahua , Calophyllum etc. in combination with annual nonfood oil crops like castor, flax, safflower, camelina, colocynthis etc to have more oil yield per ha and to improve its product.

The CJP's mission is to perform cutting-edge plant science research in genetics, breeding and horticulture, and further develop technologies to allow for the economic commercialization and sustainability of energy farms globally. In essence, CJP scientists are continuously working on enhanced genetics, agronomics and horticulture sciences to drive new varieties, more knowledge around the plants' nutritional requirements and more science-based processes for the care and custody of the plants and have achieved reliable and scalable results in jatropha and other nonfood oil crops farming." ... more

"The advance biofuel from nonfood feedstocks, we at Centre for Jatropha Promotion & Biodiesel (CJP) have been engaged since last decade in research, development and production of non-food sustainable biofuel crops worldwide in a structured Agri-Supply chain, Value additions and research activities thereon & have been providing technology and services from “Soil to Oil” for the breeding, development, planting and harvesting of next-generation commercial biofuel crops.

We have been engaged in promoting sustainable farming for biodiesel production since last one decade and ours research findings and on-hand field experiences in respect of various technical, agronomical/silvicultural aspects of plantations of Jatropha & other non-food biodiesel crops have resulted in significant improvements in knowledge and technical background related to Productivity, profitability and sustainability of commercial production of the oil crops. This is why we profoundly and proudly got the status of Global Authority for scientific commercialization of Jatropha & other non-food biodiesel crops" more

"JatrophaFoundation is the prominent non-profit entity in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to sustainable and socially responsible Jatropha curcas bio-energy production systems throughout the developing world. Check out our news page for the latest international news pertaining to Jatropha curcas. Refer to our resources page for valuable information on Jatropha curcas; including US Congressional testimony pertaining to Jatropha by Jatropha Foundation Executive Director, Johanna Mendelson-Forman.

We are currently raising funds for, and sharing technical expertise with, local partners in developing countries interested in pursuing sustainable Jatropha curcas bio-fuel production. For information on current Jatropha Foundation projects, reference our programs page.

We believe Jatropha curcas is the ideal bio-energy source in developing economies to replace petroleum. Jatropha bio-energy is easily produced in disenfranchised and poorer regions without large capital investments, making it ideally suited to develop local and affordable energy solutions for developing economies in both rural and urban setting." more

Jatropha Development Foundation (VJDF)

"The VJDF, founded in 2003 with initial focus in the EAC member countries (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), has invig or ated the process of market and environmentally friendly farming practice of growing Vanilla and Jatropha trees on farms, using innovative methods for development to improve livelihoods and the environment."

VJDF Strategic Focus

"Considering the fact that agriculture is and will continue to be the main source of livelihood and catalyst to enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Vanilla-Jatropha production-consumption value chain in eastern Africa sub-region based on an integrated / efficient Vanilla-Jatropha production system for rural development presently and in the future, VDF-EA vision is: Enhancing the development of Vanilla-Jatropha production system by promoting the cultivation and utilization by smallholder households and private entrepreneurs f or improved livelihoods and provision of environmental services."

VJDF Mission

"To enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Vanilla-Jatropha production-consumption value chain in eastern Africa sub-region based on an integrated / efficient Vanilla-Jatropha production system " ... more

What is Jatropha?
"curcus is a drought-resistant perennial, growing well in marginal/poor soil. It is easy to establish, grows relatively quickly and lives, producing seeds for 50 years.
Jatropha the wonder plant produces seeds with an oil content of 30%-40%. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It burns with clear smoke-free flame, tested successfully as fuel for simple diesel engine. The by-products are press cake a good organic fertilizer, oil contains also insecticide.
It is found to be growing in many parts of the country, rugged in nature and can survive with minimum inputs and easy to propagate."

Sustainability
"Jatropha is a valuable multi-purpose crop to alleviate soil degradation, desertification and deforestation, which can be used for bio-energy to replace petro-diesel, for soap production and climatic protection, and hence deserves specific attention.
Jatropha can help to increase rural incomes, self-sustainability and alleviate poverty for women, elderly, children and men, tribal communities, small farmers. It can as well help to increase income from plantations and agro-industries.
There are various trees that are suitable for bio-diesel production. Out of all these trees, Jatropha must be regarded as a sure inclusion and the foundation around which a plan can be built if for nothing but its pure hardiness and stress handling ability. It is just a tree that has enough credentials. That is why the Planning Commission of India has nominated it as ideal plant for biodiesel."

Food VS Fuel
"Rushing to turn food crops - maize, wheat, sugar, palm oil - into fuel for cars, without first examining the impact on global hunger, would be a recipe for disaster. Among the potential impacts identified are increasing food prices, increasing competition over land and forests, forced evictions, impacts on employment and conditions of work, and increasing prices and scarcity of water. That is why Jatropha was recently recommended as a biofuels crop for developing countries by UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food.
In recent years, the Indian government has shown a major interest in Jatropha, and alongside other developing countries, a number of international groups are now sharing this interest. There have been substantial political and social pressures to promote the growing of such crops (in particular Jatropha curcas) in India, as a means of economic empowerment, social upliftment and poverty alleviation within marginalized communities." ... more

"J. curcas is native to Mexico and Central America, but is cultivated in many other Latin American, Asian and African countries. The seeds contain up to 40% semi drying oil. J. curcas oil is relatively simple to convert to biodiesel by chemical or biological transesterification. Jatropha biodiesel is non-toxic, ecofriendly and economical due to its low production cost. Since Jatropha can sustain harsh environments, adapt well to semi-arid marginal, and wastelands, it could be easily cultivated by low income farmers. In India, to reduce dependence on crude oil, and to achieve energy independence, Jatropha and Pongamia have been promoted under the National Biodiesel Mission." ... more

Jatropha Curcas Plantations

"Based in Thailand, Jatropha Curcas Plantations is a division of Palm Plantations Of Australia, dedicated to the continued genetic improvement of the Jatropha Curcas species and has been an integration of our palm and horticultural business established in Thailand more than 12 years ago.

Palm Plantations of Australia Managing Director Neville Burman has been involved in Agriculture and Horticulture for over 30 years. He has a particular interest in the application of new technology and innovation in the improvement of soil fertility and genetics, and the critical role this has to play, in the improvement of overall plantation productivity.

We supply high yielding Jatropha Curcas Seeds, seedlings and consulting services to companies establishing Jatropha plantations in more than 20 countries throughout the world.

Jatropha Curcas Plantations also assists companies in achieving the highest financial returns not only by using our high yielding Jatropha Curcas seed but also thru advanced technology in nursery establishment, crop management as well as pruning and harvesting techniques."

Jatropha Investment / Turnkey Plantations

"We can also provide Jatropha Curcas & Biofuel project investment opportunities and offer turnkey plantation establishment and management for the production of Jatropha feedstock." ... more

"Aumkii pure is developing and undergoing investments in renewable energy in developing countries with a main focus on India. Due to India's enormous growth and continuously increasing demand for energy, already nowadays energy poverty is observable to a large extent.

Although certain efforts are undertaken, the rising demand is outpacing the growing supply by far. Beyond that, also renewable energies are only used to a very limited extent though the country is rich of numerous sources - from solar energy, wind energy to renewable raw materials, e.g. Jatropha.

Based on our experience within India for several years in India, we decided to start growing Jatropha to support a sustainable development. After two years our initial plantation is so far already showing enormous grow as well as returns - and we are continuing our efforts due to this success with our new 1 million Jatropha plants project. Find our more about the project or have a look at photos of our plantation." ... more

Bulk Agro

"Innovation begins with research, and we have announced plans to spend INR100 million over the next 10 years on finding new applications for bioscience in the energy industry, including better ways to produce the bio components that can be blended into traditional fossil-based transport fuels. In India, we are funding an INR 9.4 million project to examine the possibilities of using Jatropha, an inedible oil bearing crop which can grow on marginal land, as a biofuels component and we have been working since 2003 on bio-fuels to explore new approaches to biofuels development. The first product from this collaboration will be an advanced biofuel called Bio-Butanol."

"The testing will build upon initial laboratory engine tests using conventional Bio-Butanol, which indicated that bio-butanol has similar fuel performance properties to unleaded petrol. Additionally, work will be undertaken to gather comprehensive data on the environmental footprint and sustainability of this next generation fuel. Construction has begun on a bio-butanol demonstration plant in Udaipur, INDIA. Capable of using a wide variety of processed cereal feed stocks, the pilot plant will produce 3,00,000 litres of bio-fuel per year, which can then be blended into gasoline at various concentrations for use in demonstration projects. This plant is expected to begin production in 2011." ... more

Jatropha Curcas L in Southern Africa

"The Jatropha Organization of South Africa is dedicated to the development of Jatropha in South Africa as an alternative, renewable and sustainable form of energy. The organization is seeking to lobby the Government to support farmers with Jatropha plantations on their land because Jatropha has all the requirements of an energy crop and is thus eligible as a contributor towards adaptation to climate change. The establishment of large plantations will reduce green house gas emissions and create major carbon sinks. Jatropha is well known to absorb 100 % of the emissions created by burning it. As a clean, renewable and alternative source of fuel in South Africa Jatropha will create numerous business and employment opportunities in response to its contribution to climate change.

The Jatropha Plant is grown to produce Jatropha seed which is used to make Jatropha Biodiesel. Jatropha seeds produce between 35% and 37% of their mass in oil and this is why the Jatropha tree is commonly referred to as the Biodiesel Jatropha Plant.

The Jatropha tree is cultivated to about 3 meters high and produces seed that contain an inedible vegetable oil that's used to produce biodiesel and other oil related products.

We are all aware of directives that require a minimum level of biofuel as a proportion of fuels sold. There are however insufficient raw materials (feedstock) for making biodiesel and other biofuel to run the economy in accordance with these directives.

It is therefore up to Farmers to take full advantage of this lucrative opportunity because whether you like it or not Biodiesel is going to happen. Infinite Wisdom has is that 'Necessity is the Mother of Invention' - Plato (427 BC - 347 BC).

You may plant 2500 trees per hectare at 2m apart for commercial purposes. With good planning, quality planting material, standard farming practices and good crop management Jatropha should yield approximately 10 tons of seed per hectare from the fifth year onwards. (That is 10,000kgs of seed per hectare) At an extraction rate of 37% you will get 3.7 tons of oil. (That’s is 3,700kgs of oil per hectare) The specific density of Jatropha Oil is .916kgs per liter. Therefore 3700 divided by .916 = 4039 liters per hectare." ... more

Super Green Biofuels

"The SG Biofuels management team includes energy, petrochemical, biotechnology and agribusiness veterans with a proven track record scaling community and commercial agricultural projects, and direct experience at companies such as DuPont's Pioneer Hi-Bred, Syngenta, Monsanto, Diversa and Dow Agro Sciences.

Market Opportunity & Commercial Viability

The global market for biofuels is expected to reach $280 billion by the year 2022 (Pike Research). The total market for renewable jet fuel alone is predicted to increase to more than $100 billion over the next decade, requiring the production of more than 30 billion gallons of sustainable fuel per year. Additionally, the biochemical industry is estimated to grow to between $250 billion and $500 billion by the year 2025. Jatropha has been identified as one of the most viable feedstocks to meet this demand.

Pike Research predicts that Jatropha will be making a significant contribution to the global biodiesel market by the year 2014. This contribution is largely driven by the current economic viability of the crop. Elite cultivars of Jatropha from SGB can produce sustainable crude Jatropha oil today for $1.40 per gallons ($58 per barrel). This is due to a combination of low input costs (land use costs are between 10 and 20 percent those for food crops), and increased yields through breeding and biotechnology. The company has identified specific traits that will ultimately lower the production cost of crude Jatropha oil to $0.75 per gallon.

Research and Development Leadership

Through an advanced breeding, biotechnology and agronomic program, the introduction of hybrid seed production technology and regional optimization of agronomic practices, SG Biofuels is enhancing yields, reducing input costs and increasing profits for growers around the world. SG Biofuels has developed elite varities of Jatropha with projected yields of more than 100 percent existing commercial varieties, resulting in profitability increases of more than 300 percent. " more

Jatropha Africa
"Jatropha Africa is a Biofuel feedstock company. Our commercial activities include, supplying Jatropha seeds for cultivation and for oil expelling. We grow seedlings in our nurseries in Ghana, harvest the seeds and supply Jatropha oil for Pure Plant Oil and for biodiesel refining companies.

We manage extensive land agreements, work with groups of farmers and work in partnership with rural African communities, assisting people in their efforts to improve their own lives

Jatropha Africa is a Limited company registered in Ghana."

Mission Statement
"To provide renewable energy sources, whilst working in partnership with rural African communities to support economic development."

Sustainable Fuel and Development
"Clive Coker, CEO Jatropha Africa sets out our sustainable development approach to business, as adding value in three dimensions: People - the social impact of company operations, to people who come into contact with us; Planet - the impact of our operations on the environment in the broad sense; Profit - adding economic value through profit sharing agreements with village councils. Our way of working creates various benefits"

Environment
"Jatropha oil is a renewable energy source. Using the oil is CO2 neutral, this helps reduce the rise in the level of CO2 in the atmosphere. Because the presscake can be used as an energy source as well, for example for cooking, and because only the product of the plant is used and not the whole plant, the Jatropha trees help to prevent deforestation and soil erosion."

Local farmers
"Jatropha Africa is working with farmers in Africa, growing Jatropha. We provide farmers with knowledge on the cultivation of Jatropha, and emphasise that it should be grown as a crop in addition to any food they produce. We only plant Jatropha on land which has never been used for food production, or on land where food production has not been successful." ... more

"JOil is a company focused on the non-edible oilseed crop, Jatropha, the oil of which is converted into biodiesel, a clean fuel for automotive and other purposes. JOil is supported by TLL, Tata Chemicals Ltd, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and other investors."

JOil

"The businesses of JOil include research on Jatropha plant biotechnology for the production of elite lines, development of tissue culture facilities and nurseries in Singapore and other worldwide locations, sale of elite Jatropha seedlings to prospective commercial cultivators, conduct breeding and agronomy research and advisory on the commercial cultivation of elite Jatropha seedlings.

JOil is an active member of Jatropha Working Group of Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels, and is committed to ensure sustainability.

Products & Services

JOil has been conducting comprehensive breeding program assisted by molecular markers to generate hybrid plants by utilizing diverse gene pool present across the globe. Other desirable traits from genetically compatible species are also being introduced into Jatropha curcas through introgression breeding. Our breeding priorities are reducing gestation period, higher productivity, synchronized maturation for ease of harvest and desirable self branching patterns.

Our first-generation intra- species hybrids are characterized by early flowering, self branching and better productivity compared to the existing planting materials. Their clones are evaluated in our Singapore farm followed by trials at multiple sites around the world to test their suitability for local Agro-climatic conditions and compare their performance with local existing varieties.

At JOil, we have continuous breeding efforts to develop desirable hybrids for region specific by utilizing the locally available gene pool and JOil's best peforming materials. Inter-species backcross population have been developed and tested in field trials. The Company has ongoing programs for developing GM varieties." ... more

Shirke Biohealthcare
"Founded in 2004, Shirke Biohealthcare is one of the leading company in the field of Bio-technology. It also has wide experience in the field of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Horticulture. The company has proven its technical expertise in Biofuel industry. A leading Biodiesel Manufactuer also involves in export & import of Biofuel. The rich experinece in tehcnical field helps to develope Biodiesel from Jatropha, Pongamia, Castor, Palm & other Non edible oils.

SBHCPL
Incepted in 2005, SBHCPL believe in delivering Quality products after continuous Research & Dedicated efforts. We do respect Green Revolution against impact of Hazardous Fossil Fuels. Recongnising it's our duty to be a part of Green Revolution, SBHCPL started its operations in Biofuel Industry. After detail study on Jatropha as Fuel Crop, we developed Indigenous high yielding varieties of Jatropha. Multiplication of Branches is simple term to summaries the same.

SBHCPL Team act as technical consultant to major groups in Biofuel Industry in India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia. The company also eyes on latest Biofuel development in Europe, Africa & Asia. The company also involved in conducting technical training to Indian Railways Officials. The mentors of company are also representing on various Committees formed for Biofuel Development by Indian Government. The company is active as Jatropha Seed Buyer & Supplier, Jatropha Oil Supplier and Biodiesel Manufacturer & Supplier.

Why Jatropha Curcas?
Being Leading organisation in Jatropha Plantation in India on Commercial basis we proposes draf varieties like Jatropha, Karanj as a Biofuel Feedstock on Barren Land.

Jatropha Curcas or Ratanjot, Van Erand, Moghal Erand offers great hope of being developed as a rich source of Biodiesel. It is very profitable crop. It can be cultivate in stony, gradient sandy oil and in the land of tiny deepness. The oil extracted from the seeds of Jatropha is known as Biodiesel. The oil extracted from the seeds is non-edible and is used in making soaps, cosmetics, colors, candles and wool. The oil cake is used in making plastics and synthetic fibers. Jatropha is rich in medicinal properties and is used in treatment of skin-diseases, paralysis, toothache, stomachache etc. Its mixture with cowurine is used as a Bio-Insecticide." ... more

Diligent Tanzania Ltd

Diligent Tanzania Ltd is active in the production, promotion and usage of vegetable oil, mainly Jatropha oil. We are producers of Jatropha oil and biodiesel for transportation fuel purposes and offer consultancy services for anyone who wants to grow or use Jatropha. Diligent Tanzania ltd. is continuously researching all aspects related to vegetable oil. Our office is located in Arusha, but our activities stretch to a much larger area of Tanzania and Africa. Diligent Tanzania ltd. currently promotes the cultivation of Jatropha Curcas and provides farmers with a guaranteed market for their seeds. The seeds are processed into oil, called biofuel, which can be used as diesel substitute.

Sustainable development

Using vegetable oil instead of fossil diesel fuel has many advantages. It has an almost closed carbon dioxide cycle, because the CO2 emitted during combustion is first captured by the plant during its growth. This helps to stop the global CO2 concentration rise in the atmos-phere, leading to global warming (the so called greenhouse effect). Diligent Tanzania is working together with local farmers in growing Jatropha curcas. One of the fundamentals of Diligent's acquisition is paying a fair price. In this way the profit is double: vegetable oil is not only a renewable, nearly CO2 neutral fuel, also a contribution is made to a fair distribution of prosperity over the world, as Tanzanian farmers can build their future using the revenues from the Jatropha sales." ... more

"Bio Diesel S.A.

An entrepreneurial endeavour to produce sulphur-free diesel commercially has elevated Pietermaritzburg as the hub of the country's nascent bio-fuel industry.

An initial consignment of 60 000 biodiesel will go on sale to an expectant market with most of the fuel already spoken for. The popularity of the biodiesel was fuelled by the highly positive feedback of users, many of whom had participated in the development of the product, said Darryl Melrose of Biodiesel SA.

Biodiesel is totally compatible with ordinary diesel and can be used unadulterated or in any ratio to the fossil-derived variety without modifications to conventional diesel engines. Biodiesel is also completely natural, renewable and biodegradable that reduces the risk of ground-water pollution and also offers impressive lubricity qualities that exceeds that of any mineral fuel.

The quality of the fuel compared favourably with mineral diesel and exceeds the requirements for automotive diesel laid down by the South African Bureau of Standards, according to Melrose. The specifications outline several parameters such as appearance, colour, density, and viscosity, among others. Of particular relevance is the C-tane of 57 that exceeds the minimum value stipulated by the SABS of 37. The biodiesel breakthrough has been hailed by government that, for obvious reasons, has embraced the renewable energy ethic.

According to Melrose, government actively supported efforts to develop a domestic fuel industry that included the extension of tax incentives.

Five years later, and Melrose is gearing up to pump the first-ever commercially available biodiesel with official support and in full compliance with the law." ... more

"Jatropha curcas is a perennial shrub which is used as living fence and as traditional medicinal plant in most of the sunbelt countries. The plant needs little care and relatively low water requirements and for this reasons is often used to fight desertification. In the last decades, it has been discovered that the fruits of Jatropha contain significant quantities of an inedible vegetable oil which presents ideal characteristics for combustion and therefore it can be used for the production of renewable electricity and 2nd generation biofuels...

"Jatropha cultivation can be very useful in bringing an agricultural renaissance for revitalising land use and livelihoods in rural areas, especially for countries having abundant barren land and poor in other natural endowments; these projects, in fact, are creating new jobs opportunities, avoiding land abandonment and reducing in-country migration to cities.

The objective of the association is to become the reference network for large and small-scale bioenegy projects in order to create a synergy aimed to maximize positive outcomes for rural development and create economies of scale towards a competitive market.

The tremendous growth of the Jatropha sector is generating important environmental benefits and a great number of employment opportunities especially in many of the poorest countries of the World but, at the same time, a number of aspects hinder its sustainable development:

  - Poor and scattered information on Jatropha (agronomic data and practices, state of projects, market of Jatropha products, etc)
  - Lack of globally accepted sustainability criteria
  - Difficulties in the adoption of sustainability criteria by smallholders and medium farmers.
  - Lack of a standard GHG (greenhouse gas) and NEG (net energy gain) calculation system able to estimate the environmental impact of the projects.

Today, the global attention to sustainable projects focused on poverty alleviation and the fight to climate change, the availability of innovative IT applications, capillary diffusion of the Web as well as the youth of the sector itself are offering us an unique opportunity: the possibility to differentiate from the "business-as-usual" model and to adopt right from the beginning a win-win approach based on transparency and sustainability.

Jatrophabook's mission is to actively involve all Jatropha stakeholders (seeds producers, processing plants, energy and biodiesel producers, final consumers as well as research centers and institutions) in the creation of a sustainable biofuels market." ... more