Jatropha

About Jatrooil
Most of the world's biofuel feedstocks compete with resources that could also be used for food production. Jatropha is a second generation feedstock that can be grown economically, without irrigation, on land that is unsuitable for the cultivation of food crops alone. Jatropha can represent a valuable income source in developing countries, helping to increase energy security and improving the living standards of rural communities.
Jatrooil's commitment to social and environmental sustainability is supported by its partnerships with local established companies to leverage networks and knowledge and by its relationships with farmer co-operatives. Jatrooil also has forged partnerships with a number of experts to ensure the application of leading industry practices, and with non-government/aid organisations to ensure probity in our operations.
Jartooil is also committed to developing economically sustainable businesses. All parties, from farmers and local communities to our shareholders, must benefit economically from our businesses, even in a low energy price environment. Only long term economic sustainability realises long term social and environmental benefits.

The Product

Most of the world’s biofuel is produced using edible oils such as rapeseed, soybean and palm as a feedstock. This practice is of wide concern because it contributes to price escalation of associated food products and criticism that biodiesel production competes with food production for valuable fertile farming land. Jatoil addresses this issue by growing the second generation, non-edible seed oil crop jatropha curcas on land that is unused or unsuitable for food crops.
Jatropha is a hardy bush, able to grow in areas with poor soils and low rainfall. It has grown across Asia for many years and has been used as a natural hedge and for producing traditional medicines. At present there are few large-scale commercial operations involving jatropha, although there is growing commercial interest. The plant can produce commercial seed yields within two years of planting. It reaches maturity in 4-5 years and is usually productive for at least 30 years. When ripe, the fruit is collected by hand and the seeds are separated from the fruit. The residual fruit biomass can be used as an organic crop fertiliser. The seeds, with an oil content of up to 40 per cent, are then pressed to extract the oil, leaving a residue or oil seedcake. The seedcake is valuable as a fuel for domestic or export markets. After filtration, the crude jatropha oil is suitable for processing into biodiesel that complies with European and US standards.
Estimates of oil yield from jatropha vary depending on plant genetics and growing conditions. Under rain-fed conditions, yields in excess of 12 t/ha. Current breeding programs aim to improve oil yield beyond this level.