Jatropha's Energy Potential
Two key components of Jatropha’s contribution to the environment
are
its carbon sequestration as a plant,
and low emissions as a fuel.
A Jatropha plant sequesters CO2 by natural photosynthesis. It stores
this carbon within the branches and roots of the tree, capturing up
to four tons of carbon dioxide per acre
(1.6 tons per hectare).
For this reason, Jatropha production is deemed carbon
negative because it re-circulates the current carbon load into the
atmosphere, without liberating new carbon in
the process.
Jatropha oil is one solution to replace fossil fuels — a major source of CO2
to the atmospheric system and contributor to global warming.
Moreover, the majority of a Jatropha harvest will be used for a variety of applications. Seed cake (or biomass), a byproduct, can be burned the same as wood products, and carries about the same energy potential. The husk (exterior portion) has also proven to be an excellent fertilizer, and its oil has been used to manufacture soap in rural areas.
Jatropha's Developing Country Potential
The environmental and economic sustainable energy production potential of Jatropha within developing countries is tremendous.
One of the most appealing benefits of Jatropha is its ability
to grow on land that is not being used or suited for food crops.
This creates an opportunity for vast areas of unproductive
land to be utilized
-
generating many jobs, improving
the economic stability of the neighboring communities and providing
overall economic, environmental and social sustainability to the
region.
An advantage for developing countries to promote sustainable
Jatropha farming is driven by their ability to utilize their
underemployed labor pool and available land.
The climatic conditions required for this plant species are
indigenous to several areas including Mexico, countries in the
Caribbean, Central America and South America, which is also the
location of genetic origin for Jatropha curcas.
Unlike large oil and natural resource extraction, small-scale farmers play a vital role in most Jatropha projects. In a report by the Global Exchange for Social Investment (GEXSI) for the World Wildlife Fund (“WWF”), two thirds of all projects analyzed showed work with local outgrowers.
In addition, unlike corn or soy beans, Jatropha does not contribute
to a reduction in food production. In a sample analysis done by WWF,
only 1.2% of areas planted with Jatropha had been used for food
production in the 5 years prior to the start of the project.
In addition, 70%
of all projects practiced
some form of
intercropping–which supports local agriculture versus displacement.
This means that, unlike corn or soy, residents won’t have to choose
between producing enough fuel and producing enough food.
Furthermore, Jatropha has not contributed to the destruction of
primary forest. According to the study, only 0.3% of cultivated
Jatropha areas were primary forest previously, and only 5% were
secondary forests.
