The NY Times reports: Air New Zealand tested a jet fuel made from the jatropha plant on Tuesday as the airline searches for an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to crude oil.
The jatropha plant (I think there are about 150 different plants and shrubs in the genus) is of particular interest for a few reasons: It is hardy - resistant to drought and pests. It produces seeds containing up to 40% oil that can be processed and used in a standard diesel engine. The residue can also be processed into biomass to power electricity plants.
