Advanced Biofuel Center

Advanced Biofuel Center (ABC) conducts advanced multi-feedstock research in the industry’s non-food energy farming crop improvement programme and addresses the complete value chain. As a producer of proprietary seeds, ABC is in the most attractive segment of the biodiesel value chain — upstream from the capital intensive refining and conversion of biodiesel.

ABC’s goal is to triple dedicated biodiesel crop yields within 10 years, increase the oil content to 48% and, in combination with other crops, target an oil yield that is 1500 gallon per hectare. Researchers also hope to increase the quality of the oils and other products produced—while minimizing inputs including pesticides and fertilizers.

At ABC, the dedicated biodiesel crop curcas plants’ biology and genetic profile have been subjected to intense scrutiny, as molecular and genetic scientists collaborate with agronomists to breed and develop cultivars suitable for large scale fuel farming. Traditional breeding, inter-species hybridisation, genetic modification, and advanced cloning techniques are all being applied to produce new commercial cultivars.

Enhanced cultivar and seeds

After 11 years of continuous research and experiments in cultivating and breeding dedicated biodiesel crop curcas and other biofuel crops, ABC has developed a systematic breeding and cultivar development strategy. Newly bred cultivars are extensively tested in multi-location trials and true to type seeds are being produced using the organization’s improved seed product line. Improved seeds result in greater yield, uniformity and vigour while significantly reducing plantation costs for growers. JCLMax3, MOMAX, DI03SAP etc improved varieties have been tested and developed for a range of climatic and soil conditions.

ABC’s dedicated biodiesel crop agronomy knowledge platform focuses on ‘plantation technologies’ and has run an agronomy research programme alongside the breeding programme that looks into all agronomy issues.ABC further share and distribute its knowledge and expertise through its knowledge arm Biodiesel Business Academy

ABC scientists are continuously working on enhanced genetics, agronomics and horticulture sciences to drive new varieties, more knowledge around the plant’s nutritional requirements and more science-based processes for the care and custody of the plant.

Balancing resources to create a sustainable long-term solution without harming the environment is the challenge. The focus must remain on balancing the three major areas—genetics, agronomics and horticulture practices—so the plant will grow with optimal productivity.

We are confident that scientific advancements can demonstrate, preserve, and enhance biodiesel's ability to help meet the food, feed, fiber, and energy needs of the future.