Could jet fuel be made from agricultural waste?
Researchers at Washington State University think so. They’ve successfully tested a new method to produce jet fuel using lignin, a natural component of plant cells found in leftover crop materials.
Their findings, published in Fuel Processing Technology, demonstrate a process that converts lignin into a fuel that could improve the performance of sustainable aviation fuels.
Lignin is a structural component of plants that makes them tough and woody. It is commonly found in agricultural byproducts like corn stover – the stalks, cobs, and leaves left after harvest.
“Our achievement takes this technology one step closer to real-world use by providing data that lets us better gauge its feasibility for commercial aviation,” said Bin Yang, professor in WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering.
The aviation industry is looking for cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, with global jet fuel consumption nearing 100 billion gallons in 2019. Sustainable aviation fuels derived from plant-based biomass could help reduce carbon emissions and meet international climate goals.
Lignin-based jet fuel could be beneficial because it mimics key properties of traditional fossil fuels. It can potentially replace aromatics – fossil-derived compounds that enhance fuel density and help maintain seals in aircraft engines, but contribute to climate-impacting contrails.
“The aviation enterprise is looking to generate 100 per cent renewable aviation fuel,” added Josh Heyne, research team member and co-director of the WSU-PNNL Bioproducts Institute. “Lignin-based jet fuel complements existing technologies by, for example, increasing the density of fuel blends.”
With further development, lignin-derived fuel could become a “drop-in” alternative, potentially used in existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure without modifications.
The team is now refining their process to improve efficiency and lower costs, with support from the US Department of Energy and other partners.
Earlier this month, we reported how Thai company CP Foods has transformed used cooking oil into sustainable aviation fuel.
