Extent of Testing and Analysis of Costa Rican Jatropha

  • Seedcake Spectral Analysis – Moisture, Oil, Sugars, Protein
  • Foliar Lab Test – Nutrient Content, Soli Conditions
  • Fatty Acid Distribution of Jatropha and soybean Oil
  • CH Product Distribution by Carbon Number
  • Hydro treated Product Distribution by Carbon Number
  • Theoretical Product Distribution
  • Jatropha-Derived “Green” Jet Fuel Properties
  • Jatropha-Derived “Green Diesel Properties
  • Gas Chromatograms of Petroleum JP-8 and Jatropha Green Jet Fuel

UBARD Biofuels Research Center

United Biofuels of America is currently designing a new state-of-the-art research center in Costa Rica. Not only will this facility play host to some of the most respected scientists in renewable energies and lead the world in research and development of bio-based fuels, but the Center itself will be designed to be carbon negative.

United Biofuels of America Research Division (UBARD) is primed to take on a leadership role in the scientific community through development, commercialization and dispersal of biological and non-biological technologies. The mission of UBARD will be to push back the frontiers of knowledge surrounding biofuels while seeking to optimize the entire farm to fuel process and limit negative environmental and socioeconomic impact.

Agronomics:

  • Climatic and Range Studies: Through strategic partnerships with institutions worldwide, UBARD will initiate, coordinate and analyze projects to more thoroughly define the potential geographical range and climatic limitations of various feedstocks.
  • Biomass Optimization: Through the establishment of new and the expansion of ongoing test plots, UBARD will evaluate plant performance and yield under different agro practices such as irrigation scheduling, VAM and bio-fertilizer application, plant spacing, intercropping and pruning trials.
  • Strain Identification: Identification, collection and testing of various germplasm will be conducted in conjunction with the above programs to develop a bank of known performance characteristics so that the proper strain can be applied to the proper growing region.

Biotechnology:

  • Selection and Genetic Improvement: Studies will be conducted to enhance desired trait characteristics through Mass Selection, Recurrent Selection, Mutation Breeding, Heterosis Breeding and Inter-specific Hybridization.
  • Genetic Engineering: UBARD will develop strategic partnerships to conduct genetic transformation experiments aimed at improving desired feedstock characteristics including drought and pest resistance, increased yield, accelerated inflorescence among others.
  • Micro-propagation applications: Propagation materials such as cuttings and seeds both process caveats, therefore UBARD will continue to develop and refine tissue culture protocols designed to generate a continuous, year round supply of genetically superior propagation material.

Social and Environmental Impact:

  • GHG Footprint Analysis: Through a combination of collaborations and direct experimentation, UBARD will attempt to assess the green house gas (GHG) footprint for the various biofuel production systems currently in use. This evaluation will include the entire farm to fuel process: land use emissions, by-product use and allocation, energy inputs for refining and transport, etc.
  • Sustainability: Continuing and expanding on the association with CABI and other institutions, UBARD will conduct detailed socioeconomic and environmental surveys to assess the level of impact large scale plantation development will have on potential lands.

Technology and Automation:

  • Mechanization: With a focus on improving efficiency and decreasing overall energy input, UBARD will continue to work in conjunction with companies such as BEI and OXBO to test and refine planting, harvesting and refining equipment.End
  • User Products: Expanding on current collaborations, such as that with ARA, UBARD will aid in the development and promotion of biofuel and biofuel by-product based consumer technologies.