Project Solaris begins first seed selection process in South Africa

In South Africa, Project Solaris is undertaking its first-ever local seed selection following the energy tobacco’s introduction to the region in 2014. Up until now, all of the seed used had been sourced from Italy. The drier South African climate requires identifying seeds that are better suited locally in order to achieve the highest yields possible. Currently processing of the plant’s oil into jet fuel is outsourced but as the project scales up from 50ha over time, Project Solaris plans to build a local jet fuel refinery.