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A research group doubted the viability of biofuel derived from the
jatropha seed for vehicle use as the plant’s development for this
purpose has yet to take off.
Rafael S. Diaz, Jr., Asian Institute of
Petroleum Studies, Inc. managing director, said that the quality of
jatropha methyl ester (JME) or biodiesel sourced from jatropha
remains untested.
He said the lack of a technically documented
test data from reputable institutes does not score well for the
plant’s potential as a bodiesel source because diesel engines,
especially high-tech ones, are very discriminating in quality.
“The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers [of
the Philippines] and the major oil companies will certainly not
accept JME as blend to diesel without properly documented and proven
test data,” he said.
This also holds true for the government, which
is pushing for the development of jatropha, because it “can never
endorse JME if they cannot defend it with proof of documented test
data,” Diaz said.
He said the government should continue with its
jatropha initiative as a means of greening idle, barren, and denuded
lands.
Even though jatropha may be unsuitable for
biodiesel, it can still be used for industrial applications because
it has strong potential as an industrial fuel, both for bunker and
coal fired power generators, he said.
Such an application however should rule out the
emission of toxic fumes.
“Jatropha has poisonous element called
“curcin” which can cause death when ingested and it must be
determined if curcin will develop toxic emission when combusted in
the engine,” Diaz said.
Jatropha oil may also be used for lighting and
cooking in lieu of firewood, kerosene, or LPG. For rural
electrification, it may be used as fuel in small close-system
generators, which are designed to be fueled by organic materials.
“The industrial application of jatropha will
provide immediate market for those that started to plant jatropha,”
Diaz said.
-- Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo
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