AFAI initiates 3-phase trial production run of jatropha biodiesel

Alternative Fuels Americas Inc. announced it is beginning a three-phase trial production run of jatropha-based biodiesel to verify its processes and procedures. The jatropha oil feedstock for biodiesel production in Phase 1 will come from AFAI’s plantation in Tempate, Costa Rica. The biodiesel produced will be used for testing and marketing purposes, the company stated.

“As with every endeavor we undertake, we are testing our assumptions and capabilities before we engage in larger-scale activity,” said AFAI CEO Craig Frank. “This is a major milestone for us and we need to be certain that we not only produce quality biodiesel, but also that we do so within the cost structures we have imposed. These three phases of trials will allow us to pinpoint issues, make the appropriate adjustments, and finalize processes that will ensure the sustainable and profitable production of biodiesel. This is yet one more step on our path to value creation.”

Frank continued, saying, “AFAI marked the completion of our trials this past spring. During this R&D period, we created and set up for implementation a wide range of operational activities, including Project Jetropha, our wild feedstock program, the signing of offtake agreements and additional projects in development. We are pleased that since we have initiated our active strategy we are moving rapidly toward growth. It is our intent to continue on this path.”

AFA labels itself a “seed to pump,” vertically integrated energy company engaging in all phases of the biodiesel process—planting, growing, and harvesting jatropha, crushing and refining the seeds into biodiesel, and selling the green oil into local markets.