‘Wonder plant’ to fuel India

Runaway crude oil prices have lent new urgency to India’s quest for alternative and renewable fuels, and biofuels, especially biodiesel using the jatropha plant and, to a lesser extent, ethanol, are increasingly being seen as an appealing option.

In China and India, with populations of 1.3 billion and 1.1 billion, respectively, fewer than 10 in 1,000 driving-age inhabitants currently own a car. Yet purchasing power in these two countries continues to rise, as shown by projected 2006-2020 GDP annual growth forecasts of 5.5% for India and 5.2% for China.

Asia Times