Jatropha curcas seedlings.
The development is significant because jatropha, a tropical tree, grows on marginal land and can be irrigated with wastewater, meaning it does not compete with food crops for resources. At present the oil is sold on local markets for tractor fuel, but as it develops further plantations and refining capacity D1 expects to supply European markets.
Elliot Mannis, CEO, said production of crude oil from the company’s plantation will be around 1,000 tonnes in 2008. D1’s planting and refining operations are part of a joint venture with the UK oil company BP. Separately, D1 has a wholly-owned plant science arm, which is developing the agronomic properties of the jatropha plant.
While it has green, sustainable credentials, one problem with jatropha is that the residue left behind after the oil is extracted is poisonous. D1 said it is investigating ways to remove the toxins from the residue, making it suitable for animal feedstock.
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