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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Bio-oils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #302448

Title: A multi-regional approach to biofuels using the diversity of the Brassica family

Author
item Isbell, Terry

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2014
Publication Date: 3/3/2014
Citation: Isbell, T. 2014. A multi-regional approach to biofuels using the diversity of the Brassica family [abstract]. Growing the Margins Conference on Growing Sustainable Bioeconomies, March 3-4, 2014, London, Ontario, Canada.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The aviation industry has expressed a strong interest in the development of renewable jet fuel from oilseed crops within the U.S. to supplement its fuel needs and provide a smaller carbon footprint for its industry. This project is a nationwide effort of 22 investigators funded under the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI). This diverse team is addressing six objectives from genetic development through jet fuel production and analysis to identify promising cropping systems on a regional scale suitable for cost effective biofuel production. This project is organized around six objectives: Objective 1: Genetically improve feedstocks to enhance oil yield and quality stability across varying western U.S. production conditions and compatibility with hydro-treated renewable jet (HRJ) fuel conversion processes; Objective 2: Provide regionalized strategies to integrate sustainable oil seed production into existing land uses in ways that increase farm profitability and rural economic opportunities, while providing biofuel refiners dependable supplies of high quality feedstocks; Objective 3: Develop cost-effective processes to remove feedstock oil impurities and identify co-product market opportunities to decrease HRJ fuel production costs and increase system profitability through value-added income streams; Objective 4: Lower HRJ production costs by optimizing (a) conversion technology for genetically improved oilseed feedstocks and pre-treatment requirements, and (b) operational settings to genetically plant oils enhanced for conversion and processing efficiency; Objective 5: Develop analyses to provide strategic guidance addressing the uncertainties of expanded oilseed-based HRJ fuel production on select economic, social, and environmental indicators of sustainability; and Objective 6: Align participant and stakeholder interests along the supply chain to promote effective development of partnerships for creating new rural economic development opportunities centered on HRJ fuel production. This presentation will provide an overview of research that has begun on this four year project.