Jatropha: An Alternative to Diesel and Petrol?

The rising international oil price, lack of alternative and heavy dependence of Indian economy on petroleum, the growing concerns over environmental pollution and global warming, and the ratio of petroleum in the total import cost of the country, have made it extremely important for the government to take serious steps towards achieving energy security based on green fuel in near future. Keeping these considerations in mind the government started giving serious thought to the idea of "Bio Diesel" and looking for new substitute to petrol and diesel.

What is Jatropha curcas?
Jatropha curcas is the most appropriate Tree Borne Oil (TBO) seed plant for production of biodiesel both in view of the non-edible oil available from it and its presence throughout the country. The other advantage of Jatropha is - it's pollution-free and is non-toxic. It is 100% natural, bio degradable supplement for diesel. Moreover, the cultivation of Jatropha crop doesn't need much of effort. All it needs is soil depth of 1.5 to 2 ft. and minimum annual rainfall of 600 mm.

Is it a genuine substitute?
The ever increasing demand of diesel & petrol and continuous rise in prices has forced us to look for ecologically sustainable alternative energy source. In this quest, biodiesel (prepared from renewable resources, i.e. vegetable oil (edible or non edible) and animal fat) has emerged as a viable alternative. As India is already deficit in edible oil requirement, non-edible oil may be material of choice for producing biodiesel. For this purpose Jatropha curcas is considered as most potential source.

What are the benefits?
The non-edible oil of Jatropha has requisite potential of providing a promising and commercially viable alternative to diesel as it has the desired physio-chemical and performance characteristic comparable to petro-diesel. Jatropha oil has higher cetone number (51) compared to other oils, which is comparable to diesel (46 to 50) and makes it an ideal alternative fuel and requires no modification in the engine.
The initial flash point of Jatropha oil is 1000°C as compared to 500°C in case of diesel. Due to higher flashpoint, it has advantage over conventional petroleum product such as more safety during storage, handling and transportation.


Jatropha: The Future Indian Biodiesel Feedstock