Key Takeaways:
- PhotoSeed™ by ZeaKal enhances photosynthesis, increasing soybean oil yield by 15% and protein by one point.
- Independent analysis shows PhotoSeed can reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by up to 4.6 points.
- Projected to add approximately one billion gallons to U.S. SAF production annually without expanding farmland.
- Legislative efforts, including the Farm to Fly Act, position PhotoSeed as a key contributor to U.S. renewable fuel goals.
Overview of PhotoSeed Technology by Zeakal
ZeaKal has introduced PhotoSeed™, now recognized as the first sustainability-embedded trait technology in agriculture. By enhancing photosynthesis in soybeans, PhotoSeed increases oil yield by 15% and boosts protein content by one point without affecting yield or requiring additional resources. The technology aims to meet growing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand, potentially adding up to one billion gallons of SAF annually within existing U.S. soybean acreage.
Environmental Impact and Carbon Intensity Reduction
Independent analysis by Foxley, LLC evaluated PhotoSeed’s impact on the carbon intensity (CI) of SAF derived from soybean oil, with SCS Global Services currently reviewing the findings. Modeling shows PhotoSeed can reduce CI scores by up to 4.6 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule. For U.S. farmers, this offers a competitive edge in the global market by providing a renewable fuel feedstock with improved environmental attributes.
Legislative and Market Support
The U.S. government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, targeting three billion gallons of SAF annually and a 5% reduction in emissions by 2030, aligns well with PhotoSeed’s capabilities. The bipartisan Farm to Fly Act, introduced in January 2024, seeks to accelerate SAF production through USDA Bio-Energy Program collaboration, standardized SAF definitions, and greenhouse gas measurement protocols. These legislative efforts set the stage for PhotoSeed to support national decarbonization goals cost-effectively.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Availability
ZeaKal has developed a robust supply chain for PhotoSeed soybeans, working with partners like Gro Alliance, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Perdue AgriBusiness. With a planned East Coast footprint covering three million acres, PhotoSeed soybeans will be available for the 2026 growing season, positioning them as a low-CI feedstock for the renewable energy sector.
Statements from ZeaKal Leadership
“This is an opportunity to leverage plant genetics to expand global oil production while enhancing carbon capture, without expanding agricultural land use,” said Han Chen, ZeaKal’s CEO. Board Advisor Gordon Denny added, “PhotoSeed represents a solution to the food vs. fuel debate, allowing American farmers to tap into CI tax incentives and differentiated market pricing.”
Zeakal Latest News
Zeakal Announces The Development of PhotoSeed™ Technology in Corn (2024/03/20)
ZeaKal developed its PhotoSeed™ technology in corn, which has shown a 23% increase in corn oil composition while maintaining yield and protein levels. The technology increases the photosynthetic efficiency of corn plants, capturing CO2 and sunlight, resulting in increased oil production without compromising energy plants’ needs. This breakthrough in corn oil production is expected to significantly alter the agricultural landscape, enhancing sustainability and value proposition for growers, industry stakeholders, and consumers. ZeaKal is integrating PhotoSeed technology into Gro Alliance’s germplasm collection and breeding program, aiming to enhance value creation across the entire value chain. The technology’s nutrient and energy densification could lower corn’s carbon intensity score, making it a more environmentally friendly option for various applications.
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