Sustainable aviation project to grow energy crops on airport land

In the US, Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) will partner for the cultivation of energy crops.

Between them, DTW and another airport operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), Willow Run, have around 1,700 acres of land suitable for growing energy crops.

MSUE is currently growing canola and oriental mustard seed on 3 acres of WCAA land. These crops will soon be ready for harvesting before being refined and tested as aviation fuel.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has awarded the WCAA/MSUE project, which is slated for completion by February 2012, with a $476,000 (€330,500) grant. It is the first scheme of its kind to be established in the Midwest US.

'How does aviation protect itself in the future against the depletion of fossil fuels and the uncertainty of foreign sources of energy?' asks WCAA Interim CEO Genelle Allen. 'Part of the answer may to be grow it.'

Along with the WCAA and the MSUE, Delta Air Lines, the US Air Transport Association, UOP Honeywell, FAA, US Department of Agriculture and Shell ServisAir will also be involved in the project.