Jatropha and Algae are high yield feedstocks that can be grown sustainably without sacrificing food resources for fuel

            Feedstocks are the single largest cost of biodiesel production. The ability to economically produce multiple feedstocks grown in a sustainable manner without impacting food production is of fundamental importance. Biodico has worked from its inception on using alternative feedstocks, beginning in 1994 with waste cooking oil collected from restaurants and food processing plants under the Green Restaurant Service. Based upon multi-feedstock research conducted by Biodico for the U.S. Department of Energy, Biodico was hired by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Trade Development Agency to conduct a multi-feedstock biodiesel feasibility study in India. In consultation with the Indian government, non-edible biodiesel feedstocks were made a priority, with the conclusion that Jatropha curcas represented the greatest potential. After many years of genetic improvements, Biodico now maintains Jatropha nurseries and orchard development programs in many countries. Work with international academic and commercial institutions has led to the development of other feedstock models based upon suitability and sustainability under local conditions, including intercropping alternatives. No feedstock combination is perfect under all conditions, so a multi-faceted strategy has been employed.

            Additional advanced feedstocks are being developed including some innovative approaches to the cultivation of algae and related species for very concentrated high yield oil production using waste products. This advanced algaculture process is being developed in conjunction with the U.S. Navy and Aerojet, based upon the ARIES platform.