Life cycle analysis finds Camelina-based renewable jet fuel reduces GHG emissions by 75%; renewable diesel reduces emissions by 80%

An updated life cycle analysis of the carbon footprint of camelina-based biojet fuel found that the renewable fuel reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 75% compared to traditional petroleum-based jet fuel, according to a study by researchers from Michigan Tech University (MTU), Targeted Growth and UOP LLC, a Honeywell company. The study, published in the AIChE journal Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, also found that renewable diesel made through the same process reduces GHG emissions by 80%.

The reductions in GHG were lower than those returned in an earlier MTU study of camelina-based renewable jet and diesel in 2009, which found reductions of 84-89%. (Earlier post.) The research was conducted at Michigan Tech University. The study was based on camelina grown in Montana and processed into biojet fuel using UOP hydroprocessing technology.

Updated estimates of camelina cultivation requirements and commercial scale oil recovery and refining were used to calculate life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy demand for both HRJ and renewable diesel (green diesel, GD). GHG life cycle emissions for GD and HRJ are 18.0 and 22.4 g CO₂ equiv/MJ fuel, which represent savings relative to petroleum counterparts of 80% and 75%, respectively. Scenario analyses were conducted to determine response to model assumptions and data uncertainty, including allocation methodology, N fertilizer application rate, N₂O emission factor, source of H₂, and farm diesel consumption.

—Shonnard et al.

This peer-reviewed analysis proves what we’ve known for a long time—that camelina is an ideal feedstock for renewable jet fuel. 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.

—Scott Johnson, President of Sustainable Oils

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is developing a specification for renewable jet fuel, known as Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ). The standard is expected to be fully approved in 2011.

In addition to camelina’s low carbon footprint, a range of other factors make it an attractive choice as a feedstock for renewable, domestically-produced advanced biofuels. Camelina grows in rotation with wheat and/or on marginal land, so it does not compete for agricultural land. Camelina meal has been approved for use as livestock and poultry feed, so growing camelina actually contributes to overall food supply.

Camelina-based jet fuel has been among the most, if not the most, heavily tested of any renewable jet fuel, with successful tests by the US Air Force, the US Navy, and Japan Airlines, says Sustainable Oils. These groups have conducted multiple tests of the fuel on different aircraft types, engines, and at different speeds. Camelina-based fuels have passed every test