Discover How an Ancient Crop Could Revolutionize Sustainable Jet Fuel: Insights from University of Minnesota Researchers

Every flight we take has an impact on the environment. But scientists may have found a way to help. At the University of Minnesota, researchers are working with an ancient crop called Camelina.

Camelina is similar to canola but has a key advantage: it can survive Minnesota’s harsh winters. According to researcher Matthew Ott, the seeds from this plant can be turned into cooking oil and then refined into sustainable aviation fuel.

Flights powered by Camelina fuel are already happening. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that sustainable aviation fuel could reduce emissions by up to 94%. With the aviation industry responsible for nearly 3% of worldwide emissions, many airlines, like Delta, are eager to switch to cleaner options. Delta aims to use 10% sustainable fuel by 2030.

This is promising news for Minnesota farmers, who are testing Camelina on their fields. Some are using it as a cover crop, which not only allows them to plant a second crop, like soybeans, but also helps improve water quality by reducing agricultural runoff.

In fact, Camelina’s rapid growth benefits local pollinators as well. “It grows fast,” says Ott. As they refine their methods, researchers hope to position Minnesota as a leader in alternative fuel development.

While burning Camelina fuel does produce emissions, it’s significantly less compared to traditional fuels when considering the entire life cycle. This makes it an attractive option for the future of aviation.

The journey toward cleaner skies is just beginning, and innovation in farming may be a big part of the solution.

Source link