NPR reported this week two airlines have transported passengers on commercial planes powered by biofuels for the first time. The first flight was on a Continental Airlines plane from Houston to Chicago on Monday, using a biofuel blend derived partially from algae. The second flight took place this Wednesday on an Alaska Airlines plan that utilized fuel from recycled cooking oil.
Here are some important facts about aviation biofuels and the efforts being taken to incorporate biofuels into commercial energy use in the U.S. and overseas:
* Compared to fossil fuels, sustainably produced biofuels reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contain fewer impurities that also lead to a reduction in pollution emissions, according to the Air Transport Action Group.
* Several first-generation biofuels, like ethanol derived from corn and biodiesel, are not suitable for aviation fuel since they are not considered high performance and do not meet jet fuel safety specifications.
* Alternative non-food and high-energy content crops like jatropha, camelina, algae, and halophytes are potential second-generation biofuel sources that could be used for aviation fuel.
* IEEE Spectrum noted that in 2007 the U.S. Dept. of Defense was investing millions of dollars into biofuels that could be used for military aircrafts.
* The Department of Defense's goal was not to reduce carbon emissions but instead in to reduce the department's dependence on foreign oil and to also lower fuel costs, which totaled over $6 billion in 2006.
* According to Yahoo! News, in August President Barack Obama announced that the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Navy would be investing $510 million in partnerships with the private sector to produce biofuels.
* The federal government's biofuel partnerships with private companies would specifically aim to produce marine and aviation biofuels that could be used for commercial and military transportation.
* Biofuels Digest reported that Air China and Boeing have already launched a flight fueled by sustainable biofuels in China and are now working on plans for an international flight between the U.S. and China using the same fuel.
* China's National Energy Administration and Boeing are also set to begin studies on regional biofuel development in China to support more commercial flights in the country.
* Following in Alaska Airlines and Continental Airlines steps, more U.S. airlines are expected to utilize biofuels in their flights, reported the Chicago Tribune.
* On Monday, United Airlines also announced that it signed an agreement with Solazyme Inc. to purchase 20 million gallons of biofuels derived from algae annually with the delivery possibly happening as soon as 2014.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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