Texans take a liking to Australia’s pongamia tree as biofuels feedstock

In Australia, the native Pongamia pinnata tree, whose seeds contain 30-40% oil, has caught the attention of U.S. growers. The tree can tolerate extreme temperatures and harsh sunlight, and the oil used as biofuel results in cleaner emissions and is the same oil used for cooking oil, lubricant, water-paint binder, pesticide, and in soap making. Texas growers have recognized the potential of this “energy tree” and are now in the early stages of research to bring the tree over to the U.S.

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Tags: Australia, Texas

Category: International