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Aviation biofuel derived from tobacco plants grown in South Africa will be used in aircraft within the next few years.
After success in small trials, production of the hybrid tobacco plant Solaris is to be expanded in South Africa during the next three years. A partnership between Boeing and South Africa Airlines (SAA) will provide the support needed for the biofuel to be integrated into jet fuel production.
Solaris is a nicotine-free energy crop developed by the Italian company Sunchem. According to aviation biofuel developer Skynrg, it can cost similar levels as fossil fuels and reduce 80% of CO2 emissions compared to kerosene.
As well as the production of vegetable oil, the plant can be used to generate biomass for rural electrification purposes. Initially, only oil from the plant's seeds will be converted into jet fuel, but in coming years, Boeing expects emerging technologies to increase aviation biofuel production from the rest of the plant.
Ian Cruickshank, environmental affairs specialist at South African Airways, said: "By using hybrid tobacco, we can leverage knowledge of tobacco growers in South Africa to grow a marketable biofuel crop without encouraging smoking. This is another way that SAA and Boeing are driving development of sustainable biofuel while enhancing our region's economic opportunity."
J. Miguel Santos, managing director for Africa, Boeing International, said: "South Africa is leading efforts to commercialize a valuable new source of biofuel that can further reduce aviation's environmental footprint and advance the region's economy."