US Defense Department grants UMass Amherst $1.9 million for biomass-to-jet fuel cellulosic research

In Massachusetts, the US Defense Department awarded $1.9 million to UMass for a research project. The Amherst-based research team led by George Huber will develop new, end-to-end processes that lead from forest and agricultural residues to jet fuel range alkanes and aromatics that can be refined into jet fuel.

Although most research in cellulosic conversion of biomass has focused on ethanol, the military is seeking drop-in fuels that have higher energy density than ethanol as well as superior performance characteristics.

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