Australian scientists discovered how to grow jet fuel on an eucalyptus tree Monday.
The scientists discovered how to use advanced molecular breeding and genetic engineering to create oil suitable for jet fuel. Eucalyptus-based fuel would initially be more expensive than conventional jet fuels to make, but the scientists hope it would produce significantly fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
“If we could plant 20 million hectares of eucalyptus species worldwide, which is currently the same amount that is planted for pulp and paper, we would be able to produce enough jet fuel for five per cent of the aviation industry,” Dr. Kulheim, a professor of biology at Australian National University, said in a press statement. “Eucalyptus oils contains compounds called monoterpenes that can be converted into a very high energy fuel, and this high energy fuel can actually fly jets and even tactical missiles.”
Such oils can be refined through a catalytic process and made into jet fuel with a comparable energy density to conventional petroleum-based jet fuel.
However, similar attempts to promote the use of biofuels in Europe haven’t gone well. A study published in late April by an environmental group found that Europe’s biofuel regulations created 80 percent more CO2 emissions than the conventional oil they replaced. This was the environmental equivalent of putting an extra 12 million cars on the road.
America also supports biofuels via billions in subsidies and federal programs like Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires gasoline sold in the U.S. contain a certain amount of ethanol. America’s ethanol mandates cost motorists $10 billion annually in additional fuel costs, according to a study published in March 2015 by the Manhattan Institute.
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