Government of Indonesia under Indonesian Green Energy Action Plan (IGEAP) have a plan to develop several new and renewable energy sources, which environmental friendly as oil substitution in order to reduce the oil consumption.
Utilizing Nuclear Science and Technology, BATAN conducts research and development in energy field to provide new and renewable energy sources which symbiotic and synergistic with other energy sources, either fossil or other renewable energy to fulfill national energy needs.
One of research and development in connection with IGEAP is mutation breeding of Jarak Pagar (Jatropha curcas L) and Shorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Jatropha plant can produce Jatropha oil which can be used as fuel alternative for diesel engines (biodiesel). This non toxic, degradable and renewable fuel can reduce serious air pollutants such as particulates, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon.
Unlike other fuel, Jatropha oil is agriculturally oriented. Itis important to use mutation breeding for the improvement of Jatropha as a fuel crop, in term of its early maturity, yield and oil content in the seeds.
In similar with Jatropha plant. Sorghum bicolor also potential to produce bioethanol. BATAN also conducts research and development utilizing mutation technique to improve Shorgum plant characteristics