Producing biodiesel from Jatropha curcas L. in Yunnan, China: lifecycle environmental, economic and energy performance.

As in many countries, policy makers in China see biofuel as a potentially important part of the move to a sustainable, post-oil economy. To contribute to this important energy debate, this study looks at the economic and environmental performance of one potential bio-fuel crop: Jatropha curcas L (JCL). The study shows that, given current technology levels and management practices, the production of JCL biodiesel is not economically feasible. However, it also shows that JCL biodiesel has excellent performance from both an environmental and energy production point of view. Moreover, it is clear that, if JCL seed yields can be improved, then biodiesel made from the plant would be economically feasible to produce. With this in mind, the report outlines a number of initiatives that could be pursued to make JCL biodiesel an effective part of China's overall energy policy. These include providing grants and other funding to optimise the JCL biodiesel production process.

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