ZERO have
contributed with the modification of the pressing equipment, so it can run on
jatropha oil instead of diesel. This helps to keep the usage of fossil fuel in
the handling and processing of jatropha oil to a minimum. It also serves as
important demonstration of how locally produced bio energy can replace
expensive fossil fuel.
About 700
farmers have started harvesting Jatropha seeds. The trees are not fully grown
yet, so yields are not so high at the moment, but they are steadily increasing.
So is the number of farmers taking part in the project. The farmers have now
reorganized themselves and changed the name from Lamu / Mpeketoni Jatropha
Integrated Energy Project to Pwani Jatropha enterprises in order not to limit
the geographical potential of the initiative.
Last year
one diesel generator was converted by ZERO in Kipini, one of the villages
taking part in the project. After this conversion several representatives from
Kenyan authorities have visited Kipini to learn how jatropha can be used to
substitute diesel. Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) are now considering
jatropha as fuel in several of its generators around the country.
Jatropha is
a non-edible perennial shrub that is known to be resistant to drought and
pests. It produces seeds containing 27-40% oil. The oil has proven to be well
suited for direct use in modified diesel engines or as a feedstock for
biodiesel production. The remaining
press cake of jatropha seeds after oil extraction could be used for biogas
production and/or as fertilizer.
