Biodiesel

The consequences of greenhouse gases emission and the international increase of oil prices created a global pursuit of Biofuels as a substitute for oil products. According to International Energy Agency Data it is estimated that world oil consumption will rise to 70 million “tons” by 2020 and 130 million “tons” by 2030.

Nevertheless, for environmentally safe, sustainable, renewable energy supplies to become a real solution it is critical to develop a sustainable agriculture culture. Making sure that forest, land and food crops are not compromised.

Indeed, the impact of the biofuels on the environment must be measured horizontally  ‘well to wheel’ and should consider; the amount of energy needed to farm a particular land, alternative uses for worn out land, the costs of transportation to the production factories and  the cost  transformation of the raw material as well as the degree of efficiency of the ‘energy’ crops.

The EXERGIA group is laying hopes on a shrub called Jatropha curcas, a species of flowering plant in the spurge family that bears oil rich seeds. The shrub can grow between 2- 4 feet tall, in semi-arid conditions, needing no more than 1,000 mm of rain per year. The plants minimal water requirement for survival, its high resistant to pests and long lifespan (of between 30 and 50 years) also make it an important potential planting solution in combating desertification.