Bio-Diesel from Weeds
Farmers in Mali have discovered that a “worthless” weed may be an ideal source of bio-diesel. With minimal fertilizer, little rain, and in marginal soil, the plant (called jatropha) yields more bio-diesel per acre than corn and other crops. So what does that have to do with IT?
Humans use a large amount of electricity to support IT and other technologies. When we find more sources of fuel, we help to offset our usage.
Extracting the Jatropha Oil
The jatropha fruit is about the size of a golf-ball. Seeds inside the fruit can be pressed to release jatropha oil, which can be refined into biodiesel fuel. A small-scale pressing machine looks like something you would see in Starbucks.
Using the Jatropha Oil
The next video shows a Mercedes Diesel powered by jatropha biodiesel fuel.
Refining & Payback
The biggest drawback of any bio diesel fuel is the refining process. Some bio diesel sources require so much energy in refining that they are barely worth the cost.
However, jatropha is different because there are fewer steps in the refining process. Time, energy, and money are saved.
Recognition
Special thanks to Tonya L. Johnson for bringing jatropha to our attention.