Evaluation of Jatropha Curcas as Future Energy Crop in Some African Countries

Reference should be written as: Abaid, M (2014) " Evaluation of Jatropha Curcas as future energy crop in some African countries " TRITA-LWR Degree Project LWR-EX 15:02 Evaluation of Jatropha Curcas as future energy crop in some African countries iii SUMMARY This report describes Jatropha Curcas as a source of biofuel in some African countries mainly: Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Nowadays, there are several exaggerations about Jatropha Curcas such as: its tolerance to drought, survival in marginal lands and it is not competing with food crops. Therefore, the main objectives of my research were: to check if all these exaggerations are true and to verify if biofuel from Jatropha Curcas might be the next energy crops for Africa as a substitute for fossil fuel and secure their national energy demands. The study consists of five sections, each section deals with different aspects. The first part is introductory and gives general overview of the study area, goals and objectives of the study and its limitations. Section two describes the main methods used in this study. The methdolog is based on literatures review, desktop analysis and consultations with experts in the field of biofuels such as Swedish Bioenergy Association , Chemical Engineering & LWR Departments at KTH and World Bioenergy Association. Section three deals with the conceptual and theoretical frame work of the study. It defines the basic terminology and theories about biofuels and Jatropha Curcas. Chemical aspects and the main processes of Jatropha oil are also discussed in this part. Moreover, the future of Jatropha as a sustainable energy source is also evaluated in this part in relation to sustainability criteria, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Section four concentrates on the results and discussion. This section shows the main driving forces for cultivation of biofuels in the studied areas such as: securing national energy demands, international perspectives to achieve EUs goals, cut down in the imported oil bills, and reduce the pressure on the environment and national resources. The advantages of biodiesel from Jatropha are also described including all the environmental and social impacts of Jatropha cultivation such as: impacts on biodiversity , impacts on water resources, soil erosion, increase carbon emissions, impacts on food security & cultural heritage. The last section is the summary, conclusion and recommendations.The main conclusion shows that:-Biofuel from Jatropha can be a blessing for Africa when cultivation is carried out in …