Gafni

Breeding and engineering non-food crops for biodiesel: 

Breeding and engineering non-food crops for biodiesel Agricultural Research Organization (VOLCANI Center) P.O.B. 6, Bet-Dagan, 50250 Israel Tel: +972-3-9683111 / Fax: +972-3-9665327 State of Israel / Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development ARO – Agricultural Research Organization Yedidya Gafni – Institute of Plant Sciences

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Using biomass for energy

Bio-Fuels: 

Bio-Fuels Type of Renewable Energy (derived from the Sun). Biofuels are liquid fuels made from esters, alcohols, ethers, and other biomass chemicals (Source: US Dept. of Energy). Common biofuels include: ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is made from starches / sugars. Biodiesel is an ester made from vegetable oils, animal fats or other types of biomass.

Biodiesel (bio-petroleum diesel): 

Biodiesel (bio-petroleum diesel) B100 = 100% biodiesel / B20 = 20% / B5 = 5% / B2 = 2% Production process: Transesterification (of oil) Main crops used for producing biodiesel: Rapeseed (Europe) Soybean (US) Jatropha (Africa, India) Castor Bean (Africa, China, S. America) Palm Oil (Tropical areas) More Other oil-enriched crops: Coconut, Brazil nuts, Jojoba, Peanuts, Cotton seed, Sunflower, and many more.

Schematic of the Transesterification process: 

Schematic of the Transesterification process

BIODIESEL – Final Product: 

BIODIESEL – Final Product Biodiesel 100% Glycerin

Slide7: 

BioDiesel is here

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From the Farmer to the Fuel Tank

BioDiesel – A better fuel vs. Diesel: 

Higher cetane Greater lubricity Superior detergency Higher flash point More mileage Greater horsepower Less smoke Smoother running engines Quicker starts Longer engine life Reduced maintenance Benefits Features BioDiesel – A better fuel vs. Diesel

Biodiesel Advantages: 

Biodiesel Advantages Produced from renewable materials – eco friendly / closed CO cycle. Local & self production – less reliance on foreign oil. Contains practically no sulfur (0.001%) – non toxic. Considerably decreases emissions (up to 50%). Easily decomposes – does not harm soil or ground water. Biodiesel is not hazardous material (flashpoint above 110°C). Eligible as fuels under international standards & specifications (world-wide). Eligible for CDM (Clean Development Mechanism - Kyoto Treaty). More… 2

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – Carbon Credits (CER): 

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – Carbon Credits (CER) “.. the mechanism of the Kyoto Treaty (CDM) is now in force to reduce industrial & commercial greenhouse gas emissions – planting of bio-fuel crops may well create carbon sinks that can earn cash through their sale of emissions credits to polluting industries in developed countries.” The potential of acquiring GHG reductions, in the form of CER, for bio-diesel projects is about 3 tons of CO reduction per year (3 CER) for every ton of petroleum replaced. Current price for 1 CER is about US$ 5 - 7. 2

Biodiesel Drawbacks: 

Biodiesel Drawbacks Biodiesel can be corrosive to rubber materials. Biodiesel is not necessarily more economic than regular diesel. Depend on the plants, their related processes and, other incentives. Biodiesel can last up to 6 months. In 6-12 months need to be treated.

Biodiesel Refineries / Plants (EU): 

Biodiesel Refineries / Plants (EU) 75% of total biodiesel production belong to 4 corporations: ADM (Archer Daniels Midland), Cargill, Bunge & Saipol

US – Existing BD Plants: 

US – Existing BD Plants

US Biodiesel Market: 

US Biodiesel Market US Biodiesel Production US Biodiesel Consumption US Biodiesel Plants: 65 operating plants (capacity: 400M gal/yr) 50 - construction (capacity: 700M gal/yr) (Source: National Biodiesel Board, Apr. 2006)

The EU Biodiesel Market: 

The EU Biodiesel Market Source: European Biodiesel Board, 2006

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Projections: 2006 – 5B L/yr 2010 – 12B L/yr 2020 – 25B L/yr

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World Production of Biodiesel 2005 - 2010 2005 Western Europe (D, FR, IT, UK, etc.) – main producers and consumers – 75% of world Eastern Europe & N. America – 2nd largest markets Asia – although significant market yet, relatively small 2010 Western Europe (D, FR, IT, UK) – main producers and consumers – 38% of world Asia – will become the 2nd largest market (China, India – consumption & production) Eastern Europe & N. America – 3rd largest markets, with US as the single largest consumer – 18% of world 75% 38% 30% US – 18% Source: Biodiesel 2020 Global Market Survey, Oct. 2006

Biodiesel – Crops & Yields: 

Biodiesel – Crops & Yields Source: www.journeyforever.com – Jan. 2007 – This data is compiled from a wide variety of sources. The yield figures are most useful as comparative estimates, crop yields vary widely.

ARO & Biodiesel : 

ARO & Biodiesel The ARO (also known as ‘The VOLCANI Center‘) aims at becoming the 'ultimate knowledge base' regarding complete Seed – to – Harvest processes of two selected plant types: Jatropha curcas and Castor bean

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Jatropha curcas - small shrub native of C. America and a member of the Euphorbia family, it is a drought-resistant perennial, living up to 50 years and growing on marginal soils. Oil content: ~35% Oil: Not Edible. Other oil uses: None Castor bean - drought-resistant, annual plant of tropical origin with immense spread-out. The plant can grow between 2 to 5 m. Oil: soluble in alcohol (no heat) – fit for biodiesel Oil content: ~55% Oil: Not Edible (high level of Ricinoleic Acid – 85%). Other oil uses: Over 700

The Research Team: 

The Research Team Prof. Yedidya Gafni – Head of Team. In charge of developing tissue culture & transformation protocols. Dr. Yiftach Vaknin – In charge of the Jatropha curcas project. Dr. Oren Ostersetzer – In charge of the Castor bean project. Dr. Samuel Gan-Mor – In charge of developing mechanical harvesting machines. Prof. Dani Shteinberg – In charge of the studies of plant diseases. Dr. Asher Bar-Tal – In charge of the studies of soil chemistry and plant nutrition and fertilization.

ARO's 'Biodiesel Plants – Package of Knowledge' include ICM (Integrated Crop Management) & complete research on the following process:: 

ARO's 'Biodiesel Plants – Package of Knowledge' include ICM (Integrated Crop Management) & complete research on the following process: Jatropha curcas Superior Varieties Development Complete Cultivation Process Harvest & Post Harvest IP Protection Complete Field Support -------- Seeds Growth Yield Harvest ... Castor bean Superior Varieties Development Complete Cultivation Process Harvest & Post Harvest IP Protection Complete Field Support -------- Seeds Growth Yield Harvest ... Genetics & Breeding -------- Seed / Tissues Water & Soil Technologies -------- Growth (cultivation) Phytopathology & Entomology -------- Growth (cultivation) Mechanization Engineering -------- Harvest, Collection & Post-Harvest

ARO – Advantages for BD Crops: 

ARO – Advantages for BD Crops Unique & patented (PBR) varieties with superior characteristics for: Fast growth rate. Better yields. Increased oil content (in the seeds). Regulated fruition and harvest (opposed to wild, un-regulated fruition). Lower toxicity of Castor bean plants (the oil is non-toxic). Complete match to various climates, soil type & composition, water, etc. Pre-determined plant's shape & size – suitable for mechanical harvesting. High resistance to pests & diseases. Development of mechanical harvesting machinery. Complete professional support and guidance in cultivation of Pilot Plantation – at any location of potential project.

Jatropha as living hedge in Ethiopia : 

Jatropha as living hedge in Ethiopia

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158.987296

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Castor varieties in our collection

Ornamental Castor plant: 

Ornamental Castor plant

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What can genetic engineering contribute? Make plants give higher oil yields for making biodiesel Enhance the oxidative stability of the oil Render plants resistant to biotic stress Resistance to viruses (ACMV?), fungi, bacterial diseases, nematodes and insects and more. Render plants resistant to abiotic stress Salinity, drought, heat, cold marginal soils and more. Control plants height for mechanical harvesting

Regeneration of Jatropha curcas in tissue culture: 

Regeneration of Jatropha curcas in tissue culture

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Thank You

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158.987296