Genetically modifying Jatropha for biodiesel in India
If you've ever tried making biodiesel commercially you'll know that the biggest cost is by far the feedstock. This has lead to a great deal of research into more efficient alternatives to the traditional feedstocks of canola oil and soybean oil. A promising biodiesel feedstock plant being promoted in Africa, India, China and South East Asia is Jatropha Curcas which is common in hot climates and can grow in wastelands. Jatropha is already known for its huge yields; more than four times as much fuel per hectare as soybean, and more than ten times that of corn.
Jatropha is actually a wild plant though, it has never been commercially cultivated in the past so very little is known about its ideal planting conditions - how close to plant the seedlings, how often to irrigate, whether pruning is beneficial, etc. Farmer education is an important step in establishing Jatropha as a new commercial crop in these countries. Standard agronomy techniques have massively increased the yields of crops like canola in the last twenty years and it is expected that these same techniques will be able to lift Jatropha yields far above their wild results. In India, basic research is being undertaken by several groups including the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), which has launched a 10-year, $9.4 million project to research issues involved in taking Jatropha from growing the seed to producing biodiesel.
The first crops of Jatropha planted by TERI in a wasteland, have now flowered for the first time. Previously, TERI has investigated different mycorrhiza microorganisms, that improve the ability of many plants to grow in poor soil. The most promising of these fungi has seen Jatropha yields increase by 15 percent when used.
Genetically modifying Jatropha could be a short cut to higher yields in less time and TERI have a team of 20 microbiologists, molecular biologists, and field breeders who are looking for particular genes in Jatropha that can be manipulated to enhance oil percentages. The expectation is that it will be 18 months before the correct genes can be isolated and that modified plants will be in cultivation by 2012. Unlike most biodiesel feedstocks, Jatropha is a non-edible crop.
Related:
[Source: MIT Technology Review via TreeHugger]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Omuodo 8:24AM (2/05/2008)
Just wanted to know What work Enhanced Biofuel Technologies (I) PTY Ltd. Tamil Nadu S.India. is doing in Kenya or S.Africa
Reply
Ganapathy Arumugam 9:59PM (1/25/2009)
please contact me in drga@ebtiplc.com and visit our site www.ebtiplc.com for more details
Dr Ganapathy Arumugam
Henry Marau 10:33PM (2/10/2008)
I want to know if you have a small machine that can crush the Jatropha seed into oil.
If you have them how much does it cost to buy one.
Where can I sell Jatropha Carcus seeds? And how much does a Kilo of Jatropha seed sell in the markets.
Reply
Ganapathy Arumugam 10:00PM (1/25/2009)
We can buy any quantity of Jatropha seeds but it is better for you to go through Oil
G.A
drga@ebtiplc.com
www.ebtiplc.com
George 4:07PM (9/11/2008)
Hi,
I Would like to know who your contact people are in Kenya so that I can be able to link up and get all the necessary information regarding Jatropha farming, seed oil extraction machines, and Jatropha business in general.
You may also share all the information regarding Jatropha output per plant per year.
Reply
Dr Vinod Saharan 5:04AM (9/18/2008)
I am very much agree with the statement about development of genetic engineered Jatropha for its value addition. However, its worthwhile to develop genetic transformation technology for Jatropha to transfer valuble gene against insect-pest and other disease. As we all knew, developing countries as well as developed countries are heading towards cultivation of thousand of h Jatropha on their wasteland. We must have transgenic technology for jatropha for any epidemic in future. Beside this, transgenic technology also use to make Jatropha less toxic via toxic gene inactivation.
from
Dr. Vinod Saharan
Department of Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and
Technology,
Udaipur-313001, Rajasthan, India
E-mail: vinodsaharan@gmail.com
URL:http://www.mpuat.ac.in/agriculture_biochemistry.htm
Phone: +91-9461180586, Telefax: +91-294-2470682
Reply
Ganapathy Arumugam 10:00PM (1/25/2009)
Can you send me the molecular biology work undertaken by you
GA
drga@ebtiplc.com
www.ebtiplc.com
irene 2:03AM (2/07/2009)
can i use the seed of jatropha as anti fungus?
Reply
irene 2:06AM (2/07/2009)
fungus like ring worm
Reply
Howard Lee Harkness 10:34PM (12/30/2006)
"Jatropha is already known for its huge yields; more than four times as much fuel per hectare as soybean, and more than ten times that of corn."
Or a tiny fraction of the yield possible from algae.
Reply
CM 1:28AM (12/31/2006)
Yes, some algae can produce more oil than Jatropha, however, Jatropha can grow on land unsuitable for algae, or any other crops. Both will likely play a role in future energy supplies, and be a small portion of the many different solutions to be applied.
Reply
Howard Lee Harkness 3:47PM (12/31/2006)
"Jatropha can grow on land unsuitable for algae"
Oh, really? Algae can grow in cold places (but it grows faster warm). It can grow in hot places. It does need to have water, but it can stand salt concentrations that would kill jatropha. There are varieties that can grow in seawater.
Pond scum will grow just about anywhere, including places jatropha and other plants can't. There are thousands of varieties of algae, varying in preferred habitat and lipid production. Just where do you think is "unsuitable" for algae? You can put a closed-system algae farm just about any place on earth, although close to a coal-fired power plant might be optimal, to make good use of the exhaust CO2. Another good location is near a supply of sewage. Since the yield is so high per unit area, it can be placed near an urban area (easy access to sewage).
With a yield several times that possible with jatropha (or any other feedstock), it is unlikely that any other feedstock will be cost-competitive with algae, unless there is some high-dollar byproduct available. Jatropha can be used for basketweaving, soap, and leather tanning -- none of which are high-dollar uses.
Reply
CM 9:38PM (1/02/2007)
I had assumed we were talking about oil producing algae, not algae in general. There are indeed thousands of algae varieties, but only a few produce usable amounts of oil. The rare algae that can survive desert conditions are not known for being particularly prolific or productive, growing only in temporary vernal pools after infrequent rainstorms.
By definition, "pond scum" will NOT grow just anywhere, it requires a pond. And to get usable amounts requires a big pond that stays flooded for a long time, something not found on desert LAND.
Growing algae on land? Not, unless it is a bog or mudflat(extremely rare in desert regions). Also, it is rather difficult to harvest algae grown on land - you get too much dirt and mud mixed in.
Better to grow algae where it belongs - in a pond, where water (fresh or salty) is abundant. Leave the desert to desert specialists, like cacti, tumbleweed, and jatropha.
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Tim 4:32PM (1/02/2007)
I really have to agree with Howard regarding the algae here with one caveat. What are the water and fertilizer requirements of Algae vs other plants? Which better utilizes precious water resources? Does Jatropha deplete or enhance the soil? Does it require lots of fertilizer or water? Soil depletion and/or water over utilization could push these more arid regions over the edge and create vast wastelands. This could lead to widespread regional famine. Does anyone know of VegOil or Bio-Diesel feedstock which enhances the soil while it grows without adding fertilizers?
Reply
Dr Ganapathy Arumugam 5:49AM (1/21/2007)
PROFILE
I am Dr Ganapathy Arumugam from India was employed in a multinational company as Group Science Director responsible for the total technical and technology development in the field of Jatropha curcas and registered as an International Expert in the field of Biodiesel from Jatropha curcas. And I had been in charge for the Techno Commercial operations in 09 Countries on Non Edible Oil Seed Based BioDiesel productions.
I have developed high yielding and High oil content variety of Jatropha through selection method (my selections recorded 6 kg seed on average and a potentiality of 13 kg per tree per annum with oil recovery of 63% (Kernel basis) 45 % (seed basis). I have also standardized the Agronomical practices to bring down the FFA and Phospholipids levels. My expertise in Jatropha curcas are
• Biotechnology/Plant tissue culture
• Agronomical practices
• Management practices
• Pest and Disease management using Integrated Pest and Disease Management
• Microbiology
• Genetics and Plant Breeding
• Inter cropping system
• Economics
• Value-added products
In India this year our target is to establish 150k Ha of Jatropha from the seeds produced from our seed orchard which first time happening in the world of this Industry.
His Excellency, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, has endorsed all our projects and certified the best company in this country with a direction to all the top level goal officials to visit us.
We have business relation in Defense Research and Development Organization, Ministry of Non Conventional Energy Resources, Ministry of Agriculture all the State Governments in India.
In abroad we have our projects in South Africa, Kenya, Thailand, Indonesia, Israel, Australia, Philippines, and Srilanka.
Later it is my interest to have a diversified activity in the field of Biodiesel and started working on Algal based biodiesel production. In this connection we focus on
1. Optimization of Micro algal growth
2. Mass Propagation of Micro algae
3. Designing of open pond and photo bioreactors
4. Economics of Production
5. Down stream processing
We have established our germplasm on Algae with 91% hydrocarbon using open pond and Photo bioreactor system and established our Lab facility with an investment of GBP 150k and reached a point to transfer technology also.
Our record is 120 Mt of oil per Ha per annum and the biggest strength is one MT of Algal biomass will consume 1.6 mt of carbon dioxide and release 1.2 mt of oxygen.
Please fell free to contact us for your further requirements.
I can send you the Economics and our corporate profile as PPT if you are further interested.
At present we are in search of a joint venture to further improvise this project and to establish to commercial level
Best Regards,
Dr. Ganapathy Arumugam,
CEO & Group Science Director
Enhanced Biofuel Technologies (I) Pvt. Ltd.,
Biofuel Research and Development Centre
GN Mills Post
Coimbatore 641 029
TamilNadu
South India.
00 91 94432 67360
00914222645640
00914222645660
00 91 94433 67360
00 91 93605 67360
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OVERVIEW
Enhanced Biofuels and Technologies Limited (EBT) have established a presence in the field of processing technology, renewable energy, biotechnology, microbiology and phycology. The company has undertaken research and development into each of these various fields, for the purpose of applying scientific methodology to the design, development, processing and distribution of alternative biofuels, the generation/distribution of bio-energy and the processing of bi-products.
HISTORY
EBT’s focus has been geared towards funding research and development for alternative energy resources. Inclusive of the execution pilot projects.
COMPETENCIES
EBT has evolved a highly integrated complimentary operational profile that embraces a team of scientific and technical skills drawn from some of the world’s foremost academic, industrial, policy and financial sectors. While our company’s core physical assets centre on the scientific work that has been performed at our laboratory in Coimbatore, India, the virtual assets of the company span all four continents; EBT possesses a modern day global footprint.
STRATEGY
EBT’s is to continue to improve upon microbiology, biotechnology and processing techniques associated with the cultivation of Jatropha Curcas Linn and Micro Algae as a viable feedstock’s for the production of bio energy. To date, the company has established cultivation benchmarks that enhance feedstock quality, productivity and yields that are accredited worldwide.
PRODUCTS
• JATROPHA CURCAS LINN
As a result of research into the plant’s genetic characteristics, fertilization, pesticide and physical management requirements EBT possesses a holistic agronomy data base for the complete cultivation of Jatropha Curcas as an economically viable energy crop/feedstock for the production of bio fuels.
EBT has established significant technology advances for the processing of Jatropha Curcas bio mass into high value commodities. These include: bio lubricants, pharmaceutical supplies, bio ethanol, bio energy and insect repellents, adding value and feasibility for the cultivation of Jatropha Curcas as a primary crop for undeveloped land throughout Southern Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
EBT has recognised the socio-economic value cultivation of Jatropha Curcas has for the highly decentralised rural communities of developing economic regions throughout the Middle East, Asian, African and Pacific islands. In support of commercial pro-poverty reduction policy, EBT’s executive has designed and engineered an agricultural extension system for Jatropha Curcas specifically to address international policy initiatives that seek to include sub tropical agricultural activity as a factor of national fuel security.
• MICRO ALGAE
EBT’s science executive is currently engaged with the design of industrial gas capture – photobioreactor - open pond and lipid extraction technology related to the massive cultivation and processing of Micro Algae.
Recognising immediate requirement for supplying feedstock to meet exceptional demand for biofuels, EBT has conducted extensive research into the cultivation of Algae biomass; to produce lipids.
EBT’s research has resulted in the isolation of Algae cultures capable of producing up to 81% hydrocarbon extraction values.
• RENEWABLE EMUSIFIED DIESEL (RED)
An important aspect of our business strategy is to increase the Biofixation of atmospheric CO2 (and other GHG’s) developing carbon neutral alternative energy and fuel solutions that address the objectives of the Kyoto protocols.
EBT has successfully produced an alternative fuel type that incorporates the blending of crude vegetable oil (or biodiesel), water, additives and light fossil diesel. The outcome is a net reduction of CO2 emissions (when compared to biodiesel or emulsified heavy oils) and a significant reduction in NOx and other harmful gases generated from the burning process.
Renewable Emulsified Diesel (RED) is the first alternative fuel type to be designed and tested by EBT, independent results have proven high reduction levels of Co2, NOx, and other harmful gases when used in large scale diesel engines. Furthermore, the effect of blending water and crude vegetable oil combined with the efficiency of blending (created from the emulsification technology), has proven an energy efficiency savings of between 2.5-5% upon burning the fuel. The loss of torque has not shown more than 6%, of which does not negatively impact targeted industries.
Our execution plan centres upon producing RED in partnership with a major fossil fuel supplier, preferably located in the Middle East. Marketing is focused on Power Generation plants in the Middle East and Africa, with Eskom, Anglo American and Lafarge being prime targets for this type if energy source. Since 77% of this fuel type will be supplied by the fossil supplier, the product represents a valuable acquisition and retention tool for competing in the oil and gas industry. The potential for the massive cultivation of micro algae, as a resource for crude lipid, in the Middle East; using waste water treatment and photobioreactor technologies is exceptional. Various national socio-economic policy objectives are addressed while the opportunity to establish primary intellectual property for the processes is evident.
The availability of Co2 sources within the Middle East combined with the volume of sunlight and heat generated, offers ideal conditions for the mass cultivation of Algae. Additional benefits can also be gained from the high concentration of fish farms and wastewater facilities located throughout the Middle Eastern countries, which provide immediate infrastructure to support the cultivation of Micro Algae through direct open pond methodologies.
• SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL-IP
EBT is able to supply a comprehensive suite of technology applications engineered to compliment the production of multiple feedstocks. Scalable, commercially viable technologies designed to support the production of bio fuels and extract a range of high value products from biomass.
These include Micro economic zoning for:
Turnkey DBOT of JCL Bio Diesel processing factory
Turnkey DBOT of Micro Algae – Bio Fuel complex
Turnkey Bio Mass Cogeneration-Bio Fuel complex
PHILOSOPHY
EBT’s philosophy has been to take cognisance of the advanced socio-economic policies promoted by the United Nations, G8 and world economic forums dedicated to the promotion of pro poverty reduction, anthropogenic green house gas capture, environmental conservation, and the globalisation of “fair” world trade; from a commercially viable stand point. As such, EBT has emerged as a research and development organisation possessed of collaborative abilities for facilitating highly integrated complimentary commercial responses that add value and synergy to numerous scientific endeavours, national/international government and corporate development policy as well as financial markets. EBT is constantly reviewing opportunities to facilitate the promotion of first class investment into agriculture, technology and research for the production of carbon reduced or neutral energy.
MANAGEMENT
The EBT executive has assembled a world class Board of Scientific Advisors, along with a group of established technology and process engineering companies that have entered into strategic partnerships for the design, development, operation and underwriting of a range of technologies identified to support the production of biofuels and processing of high value bi-products extracted from the biomass.
EBT is currently 50% owned by the Consensus Business Group, a company with net assets exceeding £5 billion.
EBT’s directors include senior executives drawn from the scientific, commercial, financial sectors of the Oil and Gas industry, international development policy organisations, government steering committees and world banking organisations.
Directors:
Dr. Mark Quinn - Managing Director; Founder.
Dr. G Arumugam - CEO & Group Science Director, Founder.
Dr. Clive Richardson - Vice President Operations, Founder.
Edwin Philpott - Marketing & Communications Director.
Chris Quinn - General Manager & Director
Robert Spriddell - Director, Business Development Manager, Consensus Business Group
Mike Starkie - Non Executive Director, Chief Accountant of BP
Guerry L. Grune - Non Executive Director, P.A , Principle of CPS Biofuels, USA
Scientific Advisory Board:
Dr. Jag Sankar - Professor at North Carolina State University and White House millennium researcher
Dr. Joel L. Cuello - Associate Professor of The University of Arizona
Robert Manurang - Professor Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).
Dr Karan Singh Panwar - Professor, Choudhry Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
Dr. C. Surendran - Director, Tamilnadu Agricultural University
Dr. A. Regupathy - Former dean, Tamilnadu Agricultural University
Dr. V. Murugappan - Former Director, Tamilnadu Agricultural University
VISION
In summary, EBT’s business is the delivery of end to end solutions for bio energy, designed to support all segments of the supply chain associated with the production of biodiesel, bio ethanol, bio energy, bio lubricants, bio pesticides, bio fertilizers and other high value commodities derived from the processing of various biomass resources.
EBT will extend its current research and development operations to introduce biotechnological feedstock supplies suitable for the production of biofuels, embracing a platform of complimentary technologies associated with the processing and production of high value bi-products. Application of tissue culture and methodologies for implementing multi-tier intercropping programs to existing coconut and palm tree plantations are ongoing projects which we expect to deliver significant value for the company over the next 2 years.
EBT has invested considerable time and money into researching the cultivation of Rapeseed from Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine as a short term solution for supplying vegetable oil for the production of biodiesel and RED. Recent feasibility studies proved that up to a 30% cost savings could be achieved from the engagement of contract farming arrangements
FINANCING
Our intention is to formalize a separate operational Company divisions that would continue to capitalize on the assets being transferred adopting EBT’s current strategy, philosophy and vision while benefiting from the structured offset financing techniques perfected by our partners, the Consensus Business Group.
The inclusion of offset financial services as an integral facet of EBT’s portfolio of products and services delivers a valuable tool for negotiating public contracts in many parts of the world where offsets are currently recognized and adhered to.
Consensus maintains an impressive portfolio of investments into SME as well as long term established blue chip trans national companies; frequently those companies holding strategic relationships with defence manufacturers and international Government agencies where the emphasis is upon the delivery of national security and high value socio-economic priorities. The competitive edge that offset presents, as well as the benefits of funding and incremental revenue, justifies inclusion of this service in many industrial sectors of developing economic region.
Reply
Dr Ganapathy Arumugam 5:51AM (1/21/2007)
please feel free to contact us on all your biofuels requirement
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