BOZEMAN, Mont. – A recent life cycle analysis of the carbon footprint of camelina-based biojet fuel indicated the renewable fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 75% compared to traditional petroleum-based jet fuel, according to a research published in the journal Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy. Camelina meal is approved for use as livestock and poultry feed.

The study also found that "green" diesel made through the same process reduces CO2 emissions by 80%.


"This peer-reviewed analysis proves what we've known for a long time — that camelina is an ideal feedstock for renewable jet fuel," said Scott Johnson, president of Sustainable Oils. "The peer-review process demonstrates without a doubt the significant CO2 reductions that camelina-based jet fuel offers. Our airline and military partners can be even more confident about the benefits of using camelina-based fuels."

The research, in collaboration with UOP, a Honeywell company, was conducted at Michigan Tech University, a leading research university. The study was based on camelina grown in Montana and processed into biojet fuel using UOP hydroprocessing technology.

Camelina-based biojet fuel is well-positioned, the company said, to be the renewable fuel of choice for airlines and the US military once the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approves a specification for renewable jet fuel, known as Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ). The standard is expected to be fully approved in 2011.