Jatropha

One of the fascinating exhibits during the 3rd International Halal Products Expo last week was this biodiesel raw material - Jatropha (buah jarak). I was told that Brunei can produce biodiesel too. This is a news article published in the Borneo Bulletin yesterday:

'Wonder seed' Jatropha to offer alternative fuel

By Azaraimy HH

Kokami and Alam Widuri Sdn Bhd representatives with an official from the Ministry of Health.

Jatropha curcas. - PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

Kokami is to collaborate with Alam Widuri Sdn Bhd to establish a seed bank for the "wonder seed" Jatropha for global supply. Kokami, the Mukim and Village Cooperatives, announced this initiative at a press conference during the recent International Halal Expo 2008.

Alam Widuri Sdn Bhd is a company looking to mass-produce the seeds to develop products such as biofuel - an alternative sustainable fuel said to be greener than palm oil. Alam Widuri already has several projects in Sarawak, mostly with small-scale biomass farmers.

Various projects have shown that seeds of the Jatropha plant are beneficial for the production of biogas, livestock food and fertilisers, among many others. Kokami said that to this end the public are offered to buy Kokami shares at $1 per unit.

Dr Chua Kui Hon from the Ministry of Health said that the plant Jatropha curcas (biomass) is a greener alternative to palm oil and fossil fuel.

She said in line with the initiative of His Majesty's government to diversity the country's economy from oil and gas production, jatropha plant has high potential as a greener alternative to sustainable and renewable source of energy.

Jatropha curcus is a drought-resistant perennial plant that grows well in marginal or poor soil. It is easy to establish, while growing relatively quickly and producing seeds for 50 years.

Jatropha the wonder plant produces seeds with oil content of 37 per cent. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It burns with clear smoke-free flame, tested successfully as fuel for simple diesel engines. Also present at the press conference were Kokami's Deputy Secretary Ariffin Hj Hassan and Johnny Lee, the Executive Director of Alam Widuri.

(Source: Borneo Bulletin, 18th August 2008)