Water Wheel Article

Investigations on track into impacts of bio-diesel tree

Published: 1 May 2005

Authors: van Vuuren L

Abstract

The Water Wheel September-October 2005 14 BIO-FUEL Introducing an alien species into the environment, even if it could potentially contribute to rural employment and poverty alleviation and an alternative source of bio-fuel, is not an easy consideration. The social, economic and environmental implications need to be well understood. Investigations are currently underway to determine the potential for South Africa to ‘grow’ its own energy in the form of a bio-diesel producing tree. Lani Holtzhausen reports. A three-year hydrological investigation is currently underway to determine the potential impact of the bio-diesel producing Jatropha curcas tree on local water resources.