Jatropha seen as key by Cuba to increase biodiesel output

Experts in Cuba expect an increase in biodiesel production from Jatropha as the country looks to move forwards without impacting on food crops grown for human and animal consumption.

There is one facility in eastern Guantanmo currently processing the feedstock and another is going through a testing phase in Sancti Spiritus.

‘This will see the increase in use of non-edible oil plants for humans or animals in the production of energy,’ researcher Jesus Suarez was quoted as saying. ‘It was decided that they will not be traditional monoculture plantations, but associated with food crops too in order to produce integrated energy and food.’

It is also believed that there are plans to construct three more biodiesel facilities throughout the country moving forward