Growing the Camelina Sativa for SAF
Professor David Chiaramonti of the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy has successfully researched the option of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by utilizing the potential of oilseed plants such as Camelina Sativa. The advantage of using these particular plants is that they can be grown on land that is currently unused, marginal, or degraded.
Overall, Professor Chiaramonti's research seeks to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuels from agricultural sources, addressing both environmental concerns related to aircraft emissions and challenges associated with soil degradation and land use.
ScienceBlog reports that, with Camelina Sativa, Chiaramonti found an alternative to the type of sustainable aviation fuel that is currently made from hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, known collectively as HEFA.
The research focused on oilseed plants such as Camelina sativa, which is native to Europe and central Asia. The interesting angle is that, by Camelina can be grown on land that is currently unused, marginal, or degraded. By targeting such lands, the initiative aims to increase the production of sustainable aviation fuel without competing with crops grown for food.
According to Chiaramonti, cultivating energy crops like camelina on marginal lands offers the potential to improve soil quality and address soil degradation, particularly in regions affected by climate change and intensive agriculture practices.
The research explores methods such as crop rotation and the use of compost and biochar to improve soil quality while simultaneously cultivating energy crops. This approach aims to demonstrate that biofuels production can coexist with food production and contribute to soil restoration.
The initiative aligns with EU legislation aimed at increasing the share of sustainable aviation fuels in the market. EU regulations require suppliers of aviation fuels to ensure a growing percentage of sustainable aviation fuel in the coming years, as part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
