Camelina (also known as gold-of-pleasure or false flax) can be one of the most important crops for biofuel production. Camelina grows in rotation with wheat and/or on marginal land, it grows fast, needs little water and less fertilizer than many other crops, and does not compete with food crops.
High levels of fatty acids/oil
Camelina sativa is grown increasingly in the U.S. for biofuel production, and grows best in northern parts of North America, Northern Europe and Central Asia. After the oil has been extracted from the seeds, the remaining protein-rich crop residues can be used as animal feed.
Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 75%
Updated life cycle analysis of the carbon footprint of camelina found that the renewable camelina-based jet fuel reduces GHG emissions by 75% compared to traditional petroleum-based jet fuel, and 80% compared to petroleum-based diesel.
Camelina, which is among the most tested of all renewable fuels, has been tested by the US Air Force, the US Navy, and Japan Airlines, in different aircraft types and vehicles, with successful test results.
Major order from the US Navy and the US Air Force
By mid-2011 the US Navy and US Air Force will have made orders totaling nearly 500,000 gallons of Camelina biofuel from the firm Sustainable Oils.
Photo: cc-sa Fornax
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