Ano de acerto de contas em Singapura para investimentos em biocombustíveis

(Notícia em Inglês)
Local biofuel companies that have planted jatropha crops years ago are now seeing the fruits of their efforts. The crops, which are at plantations in China, Myanmar and India, are now being harvested.

This year will prove to be a crucial one for this biofuel crop, as companies test out whether it can succeed as a profitable commercial venture.

Jatropha oil can be converted into high-quality biodiesel as well as aviation fuel.

As early as 2004, jatropha curcas had been cultivated on a large scale by India and Brazil. But many such attempts in India ended in failure because the plant did not give the high yield of oil expected.

Lately, there seems to be a revival of interest in the biofuel, with a better understanding of the crop and improved technology that can increase the oil yield.

Carriers such as Germany’s Lufthansa, Brazil’s TAM Airlines, Air New Zealand and Air China are starting or have already carried out successful jatropha fuel trials on their planes.

eco-business.com»