Finding efficiencies in creating jet fuel from plant waste

Photo: Sugar Research Australia

A research hub at the University of Queensland is taking a unique approach to converting plant waste into carbon-based compounds like jet fuel.  

Associate Professor Karine Chenu, director of the ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon, said the team would focus on creating better inputs for processing.  

“Most of the research investment in this space has shown that processing plant biomass into aviation biofuels or other bioproducts is technically viable and should be done,” Chenu said. “But the price of sustainable aviation fuel is still typically two or three times the price of standard jet fuel and no one wants the price of flying to go up. We need to make the more environmentally desirable option at a price that’s competitive. As processing methods are already in place, one of the hub’s main focuses is on using new scientific capabilities to improve plant biomass, making it easier to process. By understanding and modifying the biosynthesis and composition of plant cell walls, our team will increase the proportion of carbon that we can convert to a final product, whether that be a fuel or a biomaterial.” 

Hub Chief Investigator Emeritus Professor Robert Henry said having a product that was easier to process, and was cost effective and sustainable, was where future gains could be made. 

“For example, with sugarcane only 20 to 25 percent of the carbon in the bagasse can be converted to carbon in the fuel,” Henry said. “We want to increase that to 50 percent, effectively doubling the amount of fuel we get from a ton of bagasse and that would have a huge effect on the final price. We can see a path to producing sustainable aviation fuel at a price that’s competitive with the fossil product, which would greatly accelerate adoption.” 

Launched on Nov. 10, the ARC Research Hub marks a significant step toward building a biobased economy in Australia. 

Its collaborative structure in partnership with industry in Australia and internationally is designed to support innovation and deliver practical outcomes. 

“We have partners across the whole value chain from spatial genomics and technology companies to the farm and potential processors, and hopefully, all the way to through to flying planes,” Henry said. “That ensures we have industry input and feedback into what we’re doing, so that what we come up with is relevant and works for them.” 

Nathalie Piperidis, Sugar Research Australia cytogeneticist and partner investigator, said SRA was proud to be working with the hub to advance a shared vision of innovation. 

“Working with different partners is an incredible opportunity to share ideas, expertise and knowledge,” Piperidis said. “This initiative marks an important stride toward improving conversion efficiency, strengthening economic outcomes, and enhancing the sustainability of our sugarcane industry for growers and millers alike.” 

The ARC Research Hub is supported by the Australia Research Council as part of the Industrial Transformation Research Program.  

The hub’s partners include Sugar Research Australia, Carlsberg Research Laboratory, Jet Zero Australia, MGI Australia, PacBio, DKSH/Bio-Strategy, Pioneer Brand Seeds, Novonesis, biotech company Praj and Mackay Sugar, member of Nortzucker Group, along with Adelaide University and the University of Copenhagen, and is supported by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries. 

The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at the University of Queensland, established with and supported by the Department of Primary Industries.