Daimler explores the potential for Jatropha biodiesel
Daimler AG is planning to explore the potential for a new biodiesel industry based on Jatropha, a tropical plant. Originating from Central America, the plant is hardy and drought tolerant and requires little water or fertilizer.
Jatropha is a wild plant and has never been professionally cultivated but research suggests that it could be grown on barren land in regions such as South America, Africa and Asia. The plant is thought to be excellent for renewable energy because its seeds contain more than 30 per cent oil.
In partnership with Archer Daniels Midland Company and Bayer CropScience AG, the project will look at making the plant into an environmentally friendly fuel. During the project, the companies aim to develop production and quality of the fuel to continue the sustainable mobility principles important to Mercedes-Benz.
Professor Dr Herbert Kohler, chief environmental officer of Daimler AG, said: "Alternative fuels are an integral part of our roadmap towards sustainable mobility. Our research activities within the last years have proven for example, that Jatropha biodiesel can be produced with quality similar to biodiesel from oil seeds."
He said it was time to evaluate the commercial potential of the new fuel.
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