July 22nd, 2010

The University Groningen  together with FACT organizes an international symposium on Jatropha curcas. The international conference on Jatropha (ICJC 2010)  covers the complete Jatropha curcas value chain from cultivation to waste product valorization and addresses technical, social and economic issues. The conference intends to bring together international researchers, technologists and policymakers to share views and discuss recent advances in the field.

Date: November 1-2, 2010

Location: Groningen, the Netherlands

Direct link:  http://www.icjc.nl/

Topics adressed

Topic I – Jatropha curcas cultivation
Reliable agronomical knowledge for the Jatropha curcas plant is required to improve the seed yield and oil content and thus to enhance the (local) techno-economical viability. Relevant topics for this section include good agricultural practice, pest and weed control, plant breeding and possibilities for inter-cropping.

Topic II – Jatropha curcas pure plant oil recovery

The topics covered in this session are related to important processing steps in the supply chain from the natural resource to commercial application of the pure plant oil (PPO). We invite lectures that discuss different oil extraction methods, such as cold or hot pressing, solvent extraction and enzymatic kernel treatment. Subsequent oil processing methods aimed at oil detoxification, purification and stabilization are included.

Topic III – Adding value to Jatropha curcas oil by chemical conversion
For this session we welcome papers related to the downstream processing of the pure plant oil with the aim to add value by the introduction of end-use product functionality. Conversion to biodiesel and the manufacture of functional oil derivatives for non-fuel applications such as oleo-chemicals and resins will be covered.

Topic IV – Byproduct valorization
During cultivation and seed processing, a variety of by-products are produced with (potential) high added value. Possible contributions include valorization of fruit and press cake residues, and biomass residues on the field. Papers dealing with the isolation of interesting bioactive components from plant parts and the latex are also welcomed

Topic V – Integral chains
Development of value chains for Jatropha curcas is more than just the development of new technologies. It addresses relevant innovation issues and those of the People, Planet, Profit (PPP) concept as well. Relevant questions in this topic are: Should we work with small scale fields or large plantations? Should we concentrate on the quality and cost reduction of biodiesel? How can local people benefit in PPP terms? Should all the processing be performed in the country of origin? How will logistics influence the production chain? What will be the economic impact over the whole chain and what will be the environmental contributions

Topic VI – Special topic: Jatropha opportunities in North Netherlands and North West Germany
The commercial use of Jatropha curcas plant oil in North Netherland and North West Germany (EDR region) is to the best of our knowledge still in a state of infancy. However, there seem ample opportunities and initiatives for (commercial) applications are actively investigated. This special topic covers aspects like:

§  What role can Jatropha curcas plant oil play in the region regarding the existing and future energy mix and integration with biorefinery concepts

§  How and where can regional companies contribute to the development of a (global) Jatropha biorefinery industry