Amyris renewable jet fuel approved for commercial use

With the fuel being produced at the Amyris biorefinery at Brotas in south-eastern Brazil, this facilitates its commercialisation in the country. The farnesane product, developed in partnership with French oil giant Total, is converted from sugar cane, which in time could be extended to other plant sugars.

Meanwhile, fellow US biofuel company Gevo has announced a successful first supersonic test flight using a 50/50 blend of the company's alcohol-to-jet fuel. The US Navy flight was conducted on a F/A-18 Hornet and is a significant milestone, potentially leading to a military specification approval of the fuel that would allow for commercial supply to the US Navy and Marine Corps. ATJ fuel pathways are currently being evaluated for regulatory approval in commercial airline operations.

Brazil imports much of its jet fuel yet taxes renewable fuels at rates that sometimes exceed taxes on fossil fuels, says Amyris CEO John Melo. "At Amyris, we believe our jet fuel represents a great opportunity for Brazil to support local economic development and reduce the country's dependence on imported fuel, all the while contributing to reductions in carbon emissions," he added.