The Commercial Potential of High-Oil Moringa oleifera: A Competitive Analysis for the Biofuel and SAF Markets

Gupta, A, Webster, RJ ORCID: 0000-0002-3424-9301, Qi, B ORCID: 0000-0002-9425-935X, Johnston, K, Munjal, V and Symonds, RC ORCID: 0000-0001-6838-2904 (2026) The Commercial Potential of High-Oil Moringa oleifera: A Competitive Analysis for the Biofuel and SAF Markets. BioEnergy Research, 19 (1). ISSN 1939-1242

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Abstract

The accelerating global commitment to decarbonisation has intensified the search for sustainable, high-performance feedstocks capable of supporting the growing biofuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sectors. Although conventional oilseed crops such as rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, and palm oil currently dominate biodiesel production, their long-term viability is constrained by issues including yield plateaus, competition with food-grade agriculture, extensive land requirements, and persistent sustainability concerns. These limitations underscore the need to explore alternative, climate-resilient crops with higher productivity and reduced environmental impact. In this context, high-oil-producing Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick tree) seed lines present a compelling opportunity. M. Oleifera combines strong agronomic resilience with favourable oil properties and significant potential for genetic enhancement, positioning it as a promising next-generation feedstock. This article evaluates the competitive position of M. Oleifera relative to established oilseeds through the application of Porter’s Five Forces, SWOT analysis, and the Total Product Concept. The analysis suggests that M. Oleifera oil holds considerable commercial and strategic potential for both biodiesel and SAF markets but also highlights the importance of targeted investment in breeding programmes, supp-chain development, and regulatory alignment to support successful large-scale adoption.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Moringa oleifera; Biofuels; Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); Renewable energy feedstocks; 31 Biological Sciences; 3106 Industrial Biotechnology; 2 Zero Hunger; 1003 Industrial Biotechnology; 3106 Industrial biotechnology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	Biological and Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19) Engineering and Built Environment Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Publisher:	Springer
Date of acceptance:	26 July 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	16 September 2026
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2026 12:46
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2026 12:46
DOI or ID number:	10.1007/s12155-026-11038-8
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29456

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