Jatropha

GEM BioFuels is initially focusing on the Jatropha tree and the vegetable oil that is produced from its seeds. Jatropha is well suited to use in the production of biodiesel.

Biodiesel produced using crude Jatropha oil has a lower Cold Filter Plug Point (‘‘CFPP’’) than biodiesel produced using palm oil, making it more acceptable as a biodiesel feedstock in a number of markets, particularly in Europe.

Jatropha trees are suitable for cultivation in sub tropical regions, are hardy and relatively drought resistant. Compared to some other feedstocks Jatropha is inexpensive as the seeds and oil have limited uses as they are mildly toxic and as such are inedible.

Jatropha trees do not need replanting annually and once mature, trees are expected to have a 35- 40 year productive life.

Jatropha seeds are relatively high yielding producing approximately one tonne of oil from every three tonnes of seed.

Jatropha is not a food, its seeds and oil are mildly toxic and its use in biodiesel production does not affect the cost of living of the local population unlike palm oil which, for example, is used in domestic cooking.

Biodiesel refined from Jatropha Oil complies with the current regulatory standards EN14214 and ASTMD 6751.

Jatropha is a small tree/shrub, growing to about 5 metres in height. It has long been used in traditional African medicine despite the fact that its seeds are mildly toxic to humans and animals. The plant is relatively drought resistant, thriving in arid and sub-tropical environments.

Jatropha seeds are rich in oil and were historically grown in large quantities in some areas of Africa for shipment to Europe for oil extraction and the manufacture of soap. Current production of Jatropha seed for commercial purposes is negligible but increasing due to its attractiveness as a biodiesel feedstock.

Jatropha has been targeted because of its ability to economically produce high oil yielding seeds. Mature trees can produce up to 10kg of seed every year (depending on conditions) and Jatropha seeds have been known to produce between 35 per cent. and 40 per cent. oil content, by weight, depending on the species used, the environmental conditions at the time of seed production and the oil extraction technology being utilised.

Jatropha requires as little as 300mm of annual rainfall, which means it can be grown on marginalised, waste and arid land and is durable to the elements. Furthermore, this means that one of the largest plantation costs (i.e. land acquisition cost) is significantly reduced.

Jatropha trees generally have their first harvest within 2 years of planting, taking approximately 4 to 5 years to reach maturity and are productive for, on average, at least 35 to 40 years.

Biodiesel refined from Jatropha oil complies with the current regulatory standards EN14214 and ASTM D 6751.

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