In Seattle, Boeing released research conducted by Yale University’s School of Environmental Studies showing significant potential for sustainable aviation fuel based on jatropha-curcas, an oil-producing, non-edible plant. The study shows that, if cultivated properly, jatropha can deliver strong environmental and socioeconomic benefits in Latin America and greenhouse gas reductions of up to 60 percent when compared to petroleum-based jet fuel. The Yale study used sustainability criteria developed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels to assess actual farming conditions in Latin America. Unlike previous studies, which used theoretical inputs, the Yale team conducted extensive interviews with jatropha farmers and used field measurements to develop the first comprehensive sustainability analysis of actual projects.
http://biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2011/04/08/boeing-yale-partner-on-landmark-jatropha-study/