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.