Energy / Climate Change

September 13, 2012

 

Regular bus Service Using Biodiesel Fuel from Jatropha, a First in Japan

Keywords: Local government Manufacturing industry Renewable Energy Transportation / Mobility 


Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Co. the biggest bus company in Japan, started operation of regular bus service with a bus that run on biodiesel fuel (BDF), in an experiment to run for two months, from June 1, 2012. Biodiesel in this case is a renewable energy fuel refined from the seeds of the Jatropha plant, which is native to Central and South America. It is the first time in Japan that BDF is being used for regular bus service.

Jatropha is frequently found in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The tree is resistant to drought and grows well even in poor soil. In addition, it does not compete with food production because it is inedible. The trees can produce five tons of seeds per hectare each year and 35 percent of high-quality oil, equivalent to about five times that of soybeans and about three times that of colza.

Japanese University Starts Operation of BDF School Bus (Related JFS article)

Posted: 2012/09/13 06:00:15 AM


Japanese  
 

このページの先頭へ