Stagnating jatropha biofuel development in Southwest China: an institutional approach

Li, J., Bluemling, B., Mol, A. and Herzfeld, T. (2014) Stagnating jatropha biofuel development in Southwest China: an institutional approach. Sustainability, 6(6), pp. 3192-3212. (doi: 10.3390/su6063192)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su6063192

Abstract

Biodiesel from jatropha has been considered as a promising alternative to fossil fuels for some time. Consequently, China started promoting jatropha as one of the options to meet its ever-increasing energy consumption, and the Chinese biodiesel industry also gained interest. However, the excitement of the biofuel industry in jatropha faded after it did not bring about the expected results. This article investigates the stagnation in jatropha development and production for biodiesel in China, using two detailed case studies of jatropha biofuel production in southeast China. It is found that the underdeveloped biodiesel policy and regulation, such as a rather late formulation of standards for biodiesel (especially the B5) and the absence of mandatory targets, is an important reason for hampering jatropha development. Besides that, lack of financial support undermined sustained jatropha planting at the farm level and lack of sustained commitment from state-owned enterprises or private companies over a long time span further contributed to jatropha project’s failure. Better implementation of the rule of law, mandatory blending requirements, hazard insurance, as well as continuous financial support, might improve the continuation of jatropha plantation schemes.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bluemling, Dr Bettina
Authors: Li, J., Bluemling, B., Mol, A., and Herzfeld, T.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
Journal Name:Sustainability
ISSN:2071-1050
ISSN (Online):2071-1050
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2014 The Authors
First Published:First published in Sustainability 6(6):3192-3212
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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