Can this be a reality for our future? In the wet tropical region of North Queensland, Australian farmers have bought over 20,000 diesel trees with the intention that in 15 or so years, they'll have an oil mine growing on their farmland.
The Brazilian "Copaifera langsdorfii" can be tapped just like rubber trees, but instead of rubbery latex, this tree it gives up a natural diesel.
"One hectare will yield about 12,000 litres annually," says the nurseryman selling the trees.
It doesn't need any complex refining, so once it's filtered, it can go straight into a diesel tractor or truck. A single tree can continue to produce fuel oil for 70 years. It seems the only negative is this particular form of diesel has to be used within three months of extraction.
Diesel Trees
Grow Your Own Oil (Copaifera langsdorfii)
Trend Themes
1. Renewable Energy Sources on Farmland - Farmers are growing diesel trees as a sustainable energy source, creating opportunities for investment in renewable energy on agricultural land.
2. Natural Diesel - The use of 'Copaifera langsdorfii' as a source of natural diesel presents opportunities for the development of new extraction and filtration technologies.
3. Long-term Fuel Production - The ability of a single 'Copaifera langsdorfii' tree to yield fuel for up to 70 years presents opportunities for the development of sustainable, long-term fuel production models.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - The potential for growing diesel trees on agricultural land presents opportunities for farmers to diversify income streams and contribute to sustainable energy production.
2. Energy - The use of 'Copaifera langsdorfii' as a source of natural diesel presents opportunities for investment in renewable energy and alternative fuels.
3. Extraction and Filtration Technology - The use of 'Copaifera langsdorfii' as a source of natural diesel presents opportunities for the development and innovation of new extraction and filtration technologies.