ADM, Bayer, Daimler target biodiesel based on Jatropha

Monheim, Germany - Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Bayer CropScience AG and Daimler AG plan  -, a tropical plant from the Euphorbia family that offers a potential alternative energy feedstock for the production of biodiesel. Biodiesel derived from Jatropha nut kernels has properties similar to those of biofuels obtained from oilseed rapes and has a favourable CO2 balance. The companies aim to develop production and quality standards for Jatropha-based biofuel.

 ADM is running several biodiesel refineries worldwide, while Bayer CropScience plans to develop and register herbicides, soil insecticides and fungicides for disease and pest control of Jatropha plants. Late last year, Daimler completed a wide-ranging five-year research project which demonstrated that Jatropha can be used and cultivated to obtain high-quality biodiesel and studied the use of this fuel in test vehicles. The company will continue to explore the interactions between fuel and engine in vehicles powered by Jatropha biodiesel and mixtures of this and other fuels.

“Sustainable production of Jatropha without impacting food production is not only an interesting option on marginal areas. It might be a further essential key in renewable energy strategies of the future,” according to Dr. Rüdiger Scheitza a Bayer CropScience director.

Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, VP vehicle and powertrain, group research and advanced engineering and chief environmental officer of Daimler, added: “Our research activities within the last years have proven for example, that Jatropha biodiesel can be produced with quality similar to biodiesel from oil seeds. Now, it is time to evaluate the commercial potential of Jatropha biodiesel.”

Recent studies show a potential of around 30 million hectares of land on which this plant could be grown, especially in South America, Africa and in Asian countries such as China, India or Indonesia. Since Jatropha can be cultivated on barren land, it does not compete for land that is being used for food production, and thus provides farmers with an additional source of income.

Jatropha originates from Cental America, and was transported to Africa and Asia by Portuguese sailors on their voyages round the world. It is a hardy plant that requires very little water or fertilizer and a promising source of renewable energy because its seeds contain more than 30% oil.