Jet Fuel from Camelina

Jet Fuel from Camelina


Program:
PETRO
Award:
$8,556,336
Location:
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/01/2012 - 03/31/2017

Technology Description:

North Carolina State University (NC State) will genetically modify the oil-crop plant Camelina sativa to produce high quantities of both modified oils and terpenes. These components are optimized for thermocatalytic conversion into energy-dense drop-in transportation fuels. The genetically engineered Camelina will capture more carbon than current varieties and have higher oil yields. The Camelina will be more tolerant to drought and heat, which makes it suitable for farming in warmer and drier climate zones in the US. The increased productivity of NC State's enhanced Camelina and the development of energy-effective harvesting, extraction, and conversion technology could provide an alternative non-petrochemical source of fuel.

Potential Impact:

If successful, NC State's project will enable large-scale and cost-competitive production of renewable jet fuel from Camelina. Use of this fuel could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in aviation by up to 80%.

Security:

The transportation sector accounts for nearly all of our petroleum imports. Providing an advanced biofuels alternative to petroleum will allow the U.S. to reduce these imports, improving our energy independence.

Environment:

More than 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. come from the transportation sector. Because plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, the level of greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels is less than half that of petroleum fuels.

Economy:

The U.S. imports nearly $1 billion in petroleum each day, accounting for the single largest factor in our trade balance with the rest of the world. Biofuels can be produced domestically, allowing us to keep more dollars at home.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Joe Cornelius
Project Contact:
Dr. Heike Sederoff
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
hwsedero@ncsu.edu

Partners

Metabolix, Inc.
Metabolix Oilseeds

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Release Date:
04/20/2011