Were you aware that diesel can be harvested from the ground? According to www.hinews.cn, the Barbados Nut tree (Jatropha Curcas), also known as the "Bio-energy tree", has already been planted experimentally. Now a commercial plantation with an annual output of 60,000 tons, financed by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, is due to be established. A new era of diesel from the ground will start in Hainan.

Jatropha Curcas, the world's official bio-energy tree

Jatropha nuts, also called Xiao Tong Zi, are increasingly recognized as a high value bio-energy crop. The oil extraction rate of Jatropha nuts is reported to be as high as 300 grams per kilo of raw nuts - 1 ton of bio-diesel from 3 tons of nuts. Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products - methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold for use in soaps and other products).) Biodiesel is a valuable alternative diesel fuel. Stimulated by the pressure of falling crude oil stocks and the need for environmental protection, Jatropha's popularity is increasing around the world.

Pilot project in the commercial production of bio-diesel to be launched

Diesel extracted from Jatropha nuts is a key source of bio-diesel. "Hainan Province lies in tropical regions with abundant rainfall and sunlight, and the growth cycle of plants is short, providing advantageous conditions for the cultivation of Jatropha trees and the development of this industry", a spokesperson said. "To date Jatropha plantations in Hainan extend to at least 100 hectares."

With the aim of encouraging and regulating the development of the bio-diesel industry, the Industry Division of the National Development and Reform Commission has already granted approval for this 60,000-tonne pilot project in the commercial production of bio-diesel, financed by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

According to the Hainan Provincial Forestry Bureau, a launch ceremony for the pilot project's diesel refining plant is shortly to be held. The equipment is in its final stages of preparation and Jatropha nuts will provide the raw material.

Hainan among the first to enter the 'post-petroleum era'

To fulfill the requirements for the pilot project, China National Offshore Oil Corporation proposes an overall plantation of 1,300 hectares of Jatropha trees in Hainan province.

An expert from the Hainan Energy Leading Group and professor of the China Agricultural University, academician Shi Chunyuan said, "Hainan is uniquely placed to develop bio-energy, with its geographical and logistics advantages. If these factors are exploited to the full, bio-energy can become a major new industry in Hainan, and the Province will be among the first to enter the post-petroleum era."

(China.org.cn by Ma Yujia July 24, 2008)