news

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Camelina Based Jet Fuel Air Force Contract Signed 'Dramatic' acreage increase predicted

Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 16, 2009

Sustainable Oils, a Montana producer of renewable, low carbon domestically produced camelina-based fuels, has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract from the Defense Energy Support Center to supply camelina-based jet fuel. The contract calls for 100,000 gallons of HRJ-8 type fuel through 1210, and an additional 100,000 gallons by the end of 2012.

"Once again, camelina is the choice for high-performance, domestically-produced renewable jet fuel," says Scott Johnson, Sustainable Oils president, Bozeman.

"This contract sends a strong signal to growers around the state and across the country that there is a market for camelina," he adds. "We're expecting to see an increase in acreage as a result of this great opportunity."

In September, the DESC awarded a similar contract to Sustainable Oils for a minimum of 40,000 gallons of camelina-based jet fuel with an option to supply an additional 150,000 gallons. Combined, Sustainable Oils will deliver a minimum of 140,000 gallons – and up to 390,000 gallons – of camelina jet fuel to the U.S. military, dramatically increasing the need for acreage dedicated to camelina in 2010.

"This is a great opportunity for Montana farmers to not only drive additional revenue, but also participate directly in decreasing our country's reliance on foreign oil," says Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer. "I know our agricultural community is up to the challenge to supply our armed forces with camelina-based fuels."

Camelina is considered by the Air Force to be the most readily available renewable fuel feedstock to meet their criteria.

Sustainable Oils has the largest camelina research program in the U.S., with most of its crops produced in Montana. The firm also has several field trials in Washington.

For more information, contact Williams at (206) 625-0075 (Ex. 1) or e-mail him at jwilliams@scovillepr.com.

Article copied from http://westernfarmerstockman.com/story.aspx?s=33186&c=9