Biodiesel From Jatropha curcas and Pongamia Pinnata

Biodiesel is derived from oils of plants/animals and these alternate fuels can be used in engines to provide power in a similar fashion as that of conventional diesel fuels. These biodegradable transportation fuels are almost free from sulfur, are low in particulate emissions, renewable and reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil imports. India has tropical advantage for non-edible oilseed crops, which include Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata. These plants grow in arid to semi arid regions and are not grazed by animals. The oil content of the seeds varies from 25-30% and the productive life of the plants is more than 40 years.