A Jatropha-biofuel chain was organized in the north-west
of Cameroon. The aim of the project was to implement an
integrated biofuel chain, based on nontoxic Jatropha cultivation,
which could provide vegetable oil for energy use instead
of fossil fuel and, contemporary supply cake protein for the
rural population. The main objective of this study was to
quantify the cumulative energy demand (CED) and global
warming potential (GHG) in obtaining Jatropha vegetable oil
(JVO) as biofuel in comparison with conventional diesel fuel
adopting the Life Cycle Analysis method (ISO 14040, ISO
14044). Adopting both Well-to-Wheel or Well-to-Tank value
of diesel fossil fuel as reference, a significant reduction in
energy required and greenhouse gas emissions would be
obtained by JVO utilization with respect to the fossil fuel. The
utilization of a nontoxic Jatropha curcas accession is very
positive, as it ensures greater protection of human health
with respect to the toxic accessions.
