Review of Biomass Resources and Conversion Technologies for Alternative Jet Fuel Production in Hawai’i and Tropical Regions

There is increasing interest in developing biobased alternative jet fuels to meet rising aviation demand and address environmental concerns. Uncertainty of oil prices, issues of energy security, and rising greenhouse gas concentrations have spurred the development and acceptance of alternative, economically viable, environmentally sustainable production pathways. The objectives of this study were to review alternative jet fuel feedstock candidates and relevant conversion data to provide a baseline of information to be accessed and built upon in developing production scenarios in Hawai'i and other tropical regions bounded by the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere and the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere. Seventeen plants that produce oil, fiber, and sugar feedstocks were identified, and information on cultural practices, yield ranges, invasiveness, and mechanization status was assembled. Available data on pretreatment requirements and conversion processes for the 17 feedstocks, including mass and energy balances, product and byproduct yield and quality, and scale requirements/unit sizes, were reviewed. This effort seeks to inform the development and design of alternative jet fuel production along regional supply chains in Hawai'i and other locations in the tropics.