The oil-rich seeds of the Jatropha plant can support large-scale production of biofuels if farmed extensively, the Oman Observer reports, citing a new study by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The plant can be cultivated as feedstock for fuel, then integrated into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

What is Jatropha? Jatropha Cucras Linnaeus is a species of flowering plant native to the American tropics. Its seeds contain up to 40% oil and can produce bioethanol and biodiesel, the news outlet reports, and can prevent soil erosion thereby increasing wasteland soil fertility. The cultivation of Jatropha is already being adopted globally, especially in India and China, for various uses including the production of biofuels.

Oman-ready: The Jatropha is well-suited for Oman’s climate as it is a drought and pest-resistant plant, with the ability to survive in arid weather conditions. "When the seeds are processed, the resulting oil can be used in a standard diesel engine, while the residue can also be processed into biomass to power electricity plants," SQU lead researcher Ahmed Al-Busaidi told the news outlet. Jatropha farming can also help mitigate emissions and earn carbon credits as it absorbs large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.

The sultanate has big green mobility plans: Oman plans to fully decarbonize its mobility sector by 2050 through an ambitious three-phase plan, including the promotion of biofuels use in its first phase.