Egypt cultivates jatropha as alternative energy

Egypt is currently looking into the expansion of the cultivation of the jatropha plant as a means of producing biofuels, PANA reported, quoting state-run MENA news agency.

The move came as Egypt expected population growth to continue and the country’s limited energy sources may not be enough to support the massive increase.
The agency quoted an Agriculture Ministry official as saying jatropha would be planted in 200 feddans (84 hectares) in the Red Sea province of Hurghada.

The official was reported as saying the ministry was looking into the possibility of getting assistance on the project from Japan.

Officials reported that Egypt’s combined oil and gas reserves should enable the country to maintain its current energy production for another three decades but the drive for renewable resources appears to be happening.

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