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Posts Tagged ‘biofuel energy’

Most folks have never heard of the humble Jatropha plant. Yet it is almost certain to become one of the biofuel superstars of the next 100+ years. But before we can appreciate the JCurcus we need to understand what a biofuel actually is, and why it’s so important to our planet.

What Is Biofuel Energy?

Biofuels come from renewable resources, rather than resources like oil and coal, which have a finite supply. Primarily, they come from oily plants – like the Jatropha – but other sources are used oils, like those from fast food restaurants, or wastes from municipalities and industries.

Secondly, biofuels don’t pollute the atmosphere with excess carbon dioxide because that emission is balanced by the CO2 used by the plants that grow the biofuels.

At this time, biofuels are almost exclusively used in combination with petroleum-based fuels, rather than being exclusively used. This means cleaner fuels, with less harmful and dangerous emissions.

Why Jatropha Biofuel Is So Exciting

1. Jatropha plants are brimming with oil! In fact, about 40% of the Jatropha seeds are oil.

2. The Jatropha oil can be used as a replacement for any kind of diesel fuel.

3. It requires almost no processing. The only steps involved are crushing the plant and extraction of its oil, unlike petroleum fuels, which require heating, distillation and the production of sometimes-horrible by-products.

4. Since there is less processing required, there is less energy used to extract and use this fuel, especially as compared to petroleum fuel.

5. There are fewer emissions with its production since it’s so simple to extract and use the oil as a biodiesel.

6. The remains of the plant, after oil extraction, can be used to make a natural insecticide and a potent fertilizer.

Jatropha Cultivation & Production

* Jatropha plants are very sturdy and hearty plant – no finicky rose or orchid here!
* Jatropha thrives in poor soil that is not suitable for food crops.
* It can survive a wide range of temperatures – from very high heat to light frosts.
* A single plant will product seeds for up to 50 years.
* It will survive in saline soil, which very few plants can do.
* It grows in very dry areas and can usually survive with only rain water – no irrigation needed.
* It can survive neglect and doesn’t need a great deal of care.

Jatropha Biodiesel Tests

> In 2008, Jatropha biodiesel was tested by Air New Zealand. Half of the jet fuel in one 747 engine was replaced and Air New Zealand was so pleased by the results that it plans to replace 10% of its fuel with Jatropha by 2013.

> In 2009, Continental Airlines replaced the fuel in one of two Boeing jet engines with a mixture that was 50% algae biodiesel and 50% Jatropha. This test was also successful.

Clearly, jet tests are very important because jets place incredible demands on an engine, much more so than passengers vehicles, trucks and industrial equipment. Since the Jatropha plant has performed so well under these stringent conditions, it’s obviously that Jatropha about to become a leading supplier of biofuel energy worldwide.

Note: This has been a guest post by our friends at Blissplan.com.  Please follow their link below for some excellent insight into various green resources.  Chances are you will all be hearing more about this Jathropha Plant from now on.  Cato

Electricity savings must be a concern of every American because home energy costs are expected to double or even triple in the next few years. Perhaps it’s time to consider solar or wind power?