DEVNET Japan Councillor Hideo SAMURA
<Introduction> As the world aims to go beyond carbon neutrality and achieve carbon negativity, Pongamia pinnata has been attracting significant attention. This tree possesses high CO2 absorption capacity, the ability to thrive in degraded lands, and valuable potential as a biofuel, making it a promising contributor to the realization of a sustainable future.
DEVNET Internal Association, the international development network, has received inquiries about the commercialization of this plant, suggesting that its development could become part of global sustainability strategies. DEVNET has received proposals for business collaboration from India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cuba, and others, contributing to the dissemination of Pongamia pinnata.
(Ref. Data) E. Degani et al. Journal of Environmental Management 324 (2022) 116297
It is also effective for soil improvement and has the ability to fix nitrogen. Furthermore, it is a plant that can expand the area under cultivation amid the anticipated decrease in suitable land for cultivation due to global warming.
<Importance as a Non-Edible Oil plant> One of the key features of this plant is that its oil is not suitable for us to eat. It is significant in the following points:
- Coexistence with food security: It can produce biofuel without competing with food crops, avoiding impacts on food production.
- Optimization in using land: It can be cultivated on degraded or marginal lands unsuitable for food crops, leading to more efficient utilization of land.
- Enhanced sustainability: Using it as an alternative to edible oil crops can reduce the risks of deforestation and ecosystem destruction.
- Contribution to energy security: As it does not compete with food production, it can improve the stability and sustainability of energy production.
- Creating economic opportunities: It can provide new income sources for farmers and local communities, particularly in developing countries.
<Global Commercialization Efforts> The potential value of this plant has been recognized, leading to commercialization efforts in various countries:
• India: As the country of origin, it is taking the lead in its research and utilization. The National Biodiesel Mission promotes the production of biodiesel from non-edible oils.
• Vietnam: It is encouraging cultivation as part of climate change mitigation and renewable energy development efforts, with afforestation projects in coastal and mountainous regions.
• Cuba: It is considering the introduction of this plant to increase energy self sufficiency and environmental protection, aiming to simultaneously regenerate degraded farmlands and secure biodiesel feedstock.
<A 100% Utilizable Crop> The advantage of this plant also lies in its high utilization
efficiency. It’s a “zero-waste” crop, whose all the parts can be effectively utilized.
<Conclusion> Pongamia pinnata holds significant potential to play a crucial role in the realization of carbon negativity. The worldwide commercialization efforts and the inquiries received by DEVNET indicate that the plant’s potential value is widely recognized. Further research, development and commercialization are expected to enable this plant to make a substantial contribution to the achievement of carbon negativity and sustainable economic development.