Jatropha - alternative biofuel?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

In June, Miami hosted a Jatropha World 2008 Conference that trumpeted the plant's properties. And later this week, alternative fuel sources such as Jatropha will likely share the spotlight again at an energy panel during the annual Americas Conference in Miami.

It has been known for decades that the oil-producing seeds of the Jatropha curcas, once they are crushed and processed, can be a potent source of energy. But now the so-called ''miracle plant'' is sparking heightened interest as oil prices skyrocket and reports filter out of India and Nepal of power plants there being fueled by Jatropha.

...

''There are about [1.5 million acres] of dry and arid land, which is suitable for Jatropha plantations and would create thousands of rural jobs,'' said Reginald Noel, a biofuel pioneer in Haiti, whose car runs on biodiesel. ``We can satisfy our energy needs in this country and divert money to our farmers.''

Johanna Mendelson-Forman agrees. She has been a leading advocate of Jatropha's potential as a fuel source, testifying before the U.S. Congress on its benefits here and in Central America, where the shrub is known as Piñon Blanco. Jatropha, she believes, can literally light up the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

''Even if you were to harvest just what's being used as hedging, you could still get enough of the crop to produce oil for villages,'' she said.

http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/704813.html

[mawilson 2,133]

I had a Jatropha salad for breakfast, tasted like #######.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Sounds promising.

Found this:

Currently the oil from Jatropha curcas seeds is used for making biodiesel fuel in Philippines, promoted by a law authored by Philippine senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Miguel Zubiri.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha

[HAL 9000 96]

What kind of octane ratings does this plant yield?

It kind of reminds me of the controversy behind Stevia vs Splenda and Sugar.