Biotech Updates

Nigeria to Plant Jatropha along NNPC Pipelines

October 19, 2016
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/nnpc-commence-commercial-bio-fuel-project-nigeria-says-gmd/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will soon commence the first large scale commercial biofuel venture. The project became necessary due to the increasing negative effect of fossil fuel on the environment.

The NNPC said the corporation would plant jatropha (Jatropha curcas) plants along the borders of the over 5,000 kilometer-long NNPC pipeline. Jatropha is a plant with over 175 species that could be used to produce biofuel as alternative to diesel. The plants would also serve as wind break and shelter belts to curb flooding and erosion.

Dr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of NNPC, stated that biofuel has drawn international recognition as alternative choice of fuel because of its eco-friendliness as well as its socio-economic and climate benefits.