Study identifies optimal crops for SAF

A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study reveals the best-performing biofuel crops, aiding in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. The study detailed the break-even costs, carbon intensities, and biomass production of each SAF feedstock. 

SeedWorld reports that a recent study by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has identified the most suitable biofuel crops for different geographic locations and circumstances. Researchers assessed corn stover, energy sorghum, miscanthus, and switchgrass, examining their financial and environmental impacts. The study aims to guide growers and policymakers in selecting feedstocks that reduce production costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and build soil carbon stocks. 

Produce 3 billion gallons by 2030 

The U.S. consumes 23 billion gallons of jet fuel annually, with aviation contributing 13% of domestic transportation CO2 emissions. Current sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is minimal, but the SAF Grand Challenge aims to produce 3 billion gallons by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050, targeting a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. 

Miscanthus, switchgrass, energy sorghum 

According to a report by SeedWorld, the study detailed the break-even costs, carbon intensities, and biomass production of each feedstock. The researchers found that miscanthus in the Midwest, switchgrass in the South, and energy sorghum in a small part of the Great Plains offered the lowest greenhouse gas abatement costs. 

Corn stover had the lowest break-even price but higher greenhouse gas intensity. The study concludes that either carbon prices must rise, or SAF production costs must fall to make SAFs economically viable alternatives to jet fuel.