Jatropha Curcas

I have allowed several weeks to pass without posting to my blog. In part, that is because I have been very busy for the last month with conferences and some new developments at work. The biggest thing to happen in the past month is that I am now working on a new project.

We have developed a process through our lab in Panama City, FL for producing JP-8 jet fuel. The process uses crop oils and converts them to fuel. We are in the process of forming a new spin-off company to commercialize the process. The spin off company is called Envara Fuels and if all goes well, I will be leading the sales and marketing efforts soon.

One of the plants we are going to use to create the fuel is the Jatropha Curcas. The Jatropha plant produces a fruit with a nut inside that contains oil. The oil can be refined into diesel fuel or kerosene based fuels such as JP-8.




In an interesting twist to this story, I have been working with my friend, Jean-Marie, in Burundi, Africa to create a business plan to plant 100 hectares of Jatropha next year. The purpose of this venture is to create jobs for Burundians and to provide a source of fuel. It will take us at least 3 years to begin producing in volume.

I will periodically provide updates as we make progress toward our goal of planting next year.

Peace,
John