Brazil acreage to boost jatropha production
16 Sep 2011
A consortium, including Airbus and Brazilian carrier TAM, in conjunction with California-based bio-energy company, SG Biofuels (SGB), have joined hands with a view to boost production of jet fuel derived from jatropha plants.
Eventually, the consortium aims to establish 75,000 acres (30,351Ha) of jatropha plantations in underused pasture lands of central Brazil and convert the oil derived from crops into bio-kerosene for use by local airlines.
The acreage will grow SGB's JMax hybrid seeds, which the company claims result in higher yield crops which are easier to harvest.
SGB will work with local companies Bioventures Brasil and Rio Pardo Bioenergia to select and test the highest yielding hybrids for the plantations.
"Jatropha has proven to be the most cost-effective and sustainable feedstock for renewable jet fuel, but the challenge lies in scaling production to meet the demand," said Airbus head of new energies Paul Nash. "SGB's ability to adapt hybrid varieties of jatropha specifically for the growing conditions in central-west Brazil is a significant step in generating the much-needed supply."
Brazilian biofuel specialist Jetbio leads the consortium which also includes aviation fuel supplier Air BP and the Inter-American Development Bank.
TAM has already conducted a demonstration flight using biofuel derived from locally-grown jatropha last year in November on an Airbus 320 aircraft.
