Thailand to conduct research on jatropha

PTT Pcl, Toyota Motor Thailand Co. Ltd. and Kasetsart University will jointly undertake a two-year research program on jatropha for biodiesel production. The objective of the research is to determine the best jatropha species and the most appropriate production process to make biodiesel out of jatropha seeds. Toyota will contribute 9.9 million baht (US$261 627.90) towards the research project, whereas PTT will allocate 18 million baht (US$ 475 687.10). Currently, there are three biodiesel plants in Thailand with a daily production capacity of 350,000 liters. PTT and other state-owned companies plan to increase the number of service stations selling biodiesel from 35 to 200 by September. (July 13, 2006)