Commercially available green jet fuels are on the horizon. Professor David Shonnard, Robbins Chair Chemical Engineering professor, completed a thorough study on the use of the Camelina Sativa weed as a replacement for petroleum jet fuel.

This plant requires very little agricultural input to yield large amounts of the key ingredient for jet fuel; Camelina oil. Because the current jet fuel infrastructure cannot accommodate oxygenated fuels this hydrocarbon fuel is an excellent replacement for petroleum and is exceedingly energy efficient from seed to fuel tank. The proposed switch suggests an 80% decrease in the carbon footprint of globetrotting. Furthermore, it has tested above par on all jet fuel specifications, making it an excellent choice for a high-quality green alternative fuel.

Billy Glover, director of environmental strategy at a subsidiary of Honeywell oil refineries, stated that it is “one of the most promising sources of renewable fuels that we’ve seen.” He also testified on behalf of Camelina’s high performance quality, “It performed as well if not better than traditional jet fuel during our test flight with Japan Airlines earlier this year and supports our goal of accelerating the market availability of sustainable, renewable fuel sources that can help aviation reduce emissions.”

The plants used in this particular study were grown in Montana because its arid climate is well suited to this native European plant. Though it belongs to the mustard family along with popular crops cabbage, broccoli and canola, it is not as of yet grown in abundance in the United States. However, the prospect of a burgeoning Camelina industry due to increased demand as a source of jet fuel could be a source of job creation in this dim economy, and that’s something few would object to.

Discussion question: How might the onset of new “green” industries change anti-Americanism amongst environmentally conscious countries in Latin America and Europe?

News Links:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619202611.htm
Press Release:
http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/news/media_relations/884/