Of course, growing enough jojoba would be a huge challenge. “The use of jojoba as a
fuel needs huge quantities of seeds which needs large investment, probably by the government
or private sector,” says Selim. But while jojoba is unlikely to challenge diesel globally, it could
gain popularity in certain regions. It can be grown in hot climates, salty soils and even desert
lands in many countries,” he says. The plant has been grown for decades in the American
south-west and north-west Mexico. It is now cultivated throughout South America and in several
Middle East countries. Arable farmers in Egypt have already started planting jojoba shrubs
specifically to use the nut oil as a fuel.