BREL to develop hybrid jatropha with SG Biofuels

Bharat Renewable Energy Ltd. (BREL) and SG Biofuels of the U.S. are partnering to develop hybrid jatropha for use in the production of biodiesel in India. The goal is to develop hybrid jatropha that will be successful under India’s growing conditions. The first phase of the program is to develop high performing hybrid varieties of jatropha. The second phase will include the planting of 86,000 acres of jatropha using the hybrid seeds. “We look forward to working with BREL to develop a thriving jatropha industry capable of meeting the country’s significant demand for biodiesel,” said Kirk Haney, president and CEO for SG Biofuels. “Our partnership is a great example of how collaborations across the entire value chain, from crop science and agronomics to downstream refining and logistics, are the key to the successful scaling of jatropha,” he said. BREL expects the project to be complete within the next three to five years. (August 12, 2011)