Algae biofuel powers plane
An American airliner has completed the first ever test flight partly powered by biofuel derived from algae.
The twin-engined Continental Boeing 737-800 flew without incident for 90 minutes on a 50-50 blend of biofuel and conventional aviation fuel.
The biofuel used in the demonstration flight was a blend of oil derived from algae and jatropha – a plant that thrives in poor soils.
Biofuel from algae
There is experimental work being carried out in the development of fuels derived from algae, which may provide a plentiful and entirely sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. In the case of this week’s test flight, no modification to the engines was necessary but questions remain over the availability of algae-derived biofuel as they have yet to be proven as commercially competitive.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The demand on natural resources from of biofuel-powered aircraft will be immense, so it is vital that the true environmental impact is calculated with great care.”
“If we tax the producers of carbon dioxide and other climate change gases, changes will occur faster than if government tries to second guess future technologies and personal taste. Biofuel from algae could be a false dawn but in the meantime if we tax what we know to be bad then good will flow from the results.”
Related biofuel articles:
Biofuel and African lands
Biofuel that grows on trees
$10 million prize for green jet fuel
Flying on algae blooms
Biofuel targets will stay
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