Conference article

Jatropha curcas L. (also called the physic nut) is found to be a potential alternative source of renewable energy since its cultivation and oil extraction contribute to sustainable development; poverty alleviation; combating of desertification and women empowerment in developing countries. The jatropha seeds after three years of cultivation have an oil yield between 1-4 tonnes and 2.5-12 tonnes per hectare when rain fed and irrigated respectively. The Operational and maintenance costs for the oil extraction are minimal; and can be estimated at approximately 10 – 15% of the capital cost per year. In Ghana; for instance; in 2010; whilst the cost of jatropha oil and kerosene were estimated to be US$0.085/liter and US$1.23/liter respectively; the cost of biodiesel from jatropha oil and petroleum diesel were also estimated at US$0.99/liter and US$1.21/liter respectively. This indication gives jatropha oil the best ‘candidate’ for ‘green kerosene’ and biodiesel in diesel engines and particularly in multi-functional platforms (MFPs) used agro-processing/industrial applications in rural areas of Ghana. This paper presents a comparative technical feasibility of jatropha oil as fuel and biodiesel in MFPs. It also presents the findings from a study carried out in Ghana with respect to the promotion of jatropha oil as a fuel in rural areas of Ghana.

Jatropha; Crude oil; Renewable energy; Biodiesel