Many renewable energy sources create news, but this one is unique ie.,it has a decent shot at commercial viability.

Oil made from the seeds of the jatropha plant, native to Central America and used for centuries as a hedgerow, has helped to power test flights by Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines and Continental Airlines in the past six weeks. The oil’s ability to replace kerosene-based jet fuel has provoked a lot of interest.

But understandably, this romantic idea of the weed replacing the Big Oil has its challenges too. There’s no commercial quantity at the moment, even in the distant countries where it is cultivated. The plants require two or three years to produce their first full fruit, and seed oil won’t hit the world market in bulk for another year or two. Also, the fruit clusters don’t ripen simultaneously, making mechanization impossible. Another issue is Jatropha’s need for warm climes. Even 48 hours in frost typically kills the plant, making it difficult to cultivate in most of the U.S.

Naturally, the optimism displayed by researchers can at best be termed as cautious. But with a US administration ready to influx $18 billion into research for renewable energy, this tiny ray of hope can grow stronger. Researchers assure that production can be mechanized through agronomy, and altering the plant’s genetic makeup.

After all, as Jennifer Holmgren, director of renewable energy and chemicals for UOP puts it, “Mankind is pretty good when there’s a need,”

Via : Business Week