USN
Date: 2020-11-09
Researchers from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) in China Lake, California have developed an efficient three-step process for the conversion of cellulosic feedstocks to both a valuable chemical precursor and high-performance jet fuel blendstock. Their paper appears in the journal ChemSusChem.

In it, the team describes the synthesis of sustainable methylcyclopentadiene and dimethyldicyclopentadiene (DMDCPD) via a three-step process consisting of aldol condensation; catalytic chemoselective hydrogenation; and dehydration.

Details available HERE. (Source: Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Nov., 2020) Contact: Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, 7(((760 760-939-3511 60-939-3511 www.navair.navy.mil/nawcwd

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cellulosic news,  USN news,  Jet Biofuel news,  

Swedish Biofuels AB
Date: 2020-06-29
In Stockholm, the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) reports it has contracted Trondheim-based GKN Aerospace Sweden to continue biofuel testing of the RM12 engine. The biofuel for this test is an alcohol to jet fuel developed and manufactured by Swedish Biofuels AB. The test is part of a bilateral Biojet-project collaboration between FMV and USAF/NAVAIR is slated to be completed this fall.

GKN Aerospace Sweden is Type Certificate holder for the RM12 engine and has reviewed fuel specifications and material compatibility for all fuel-wetted components in the engine in order to ensure safe engine operation during this 50/50 fuel mix test.

In March 2017 a Gripen C/D aircraft with an RM12 engine completed a successful flight demonstration powered by 100 pct renewable Biofuel developed by the US company ARA on a USN/NAVAIR contract. The fuel was found to be fully interchangeable with regular jet fuel and approved for a limited flight test. (Source: GKN Aerospace Sweden, Intelligent Aerospace, 28 June, 2020) Contact: GKN Aerospace Sweden, +46 520 940 00, www.gknaerospace.com; Swedish Defense Materiel Administration , www.smv.se; Swedish Biofuels AB, +46 8 663 27 40, www.swedishbiofuels.se

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Swedish Biofuels AB,  

Forge Hydrocarbons
Date: 2020-02-19
Further to our 27 Sept., 2019 coverage, Forge Hydrocarbons Corporation, a University of Alberta spin-out biofuel start-up, reports construction is underway on its 7.5 million gpy first-of-its-kind renewable fuels plant in Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario.

The $30 million facility will recently purchased patented lipid-to-hydrocarbon technology developed by Dr. David Bressler at the University of Alberta. The technology takes waste fats and oils and turns it into renewable fuels, including jet fuel. (Source: Forge Hydrocarbon Technologies, PR, Blackburns, 19 Feb., 2020) Contact: University of Alberta in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, Prof. Dr. David Bressler, 780-492-4986, dbressle@ualberta.ca, www.ualberta.ca; Forge Hydrocarbons, Tim Haig, Pres., 905-815-7786, thaig@forgehc.com, www.forgehc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jet Biofuel,  Forge Hydrocarbons,  

Biokraft,SINTEF
Date: 2020-01-15
Trondheim, Norway-headquartered Biokraft AS is reporting construction is underway on a pilot salmon farm waste biofuel plant near the town of Skogn in Central Norway.

The $39.1 million project is in collaboration with the Norwegian research and innovation organization SINTEF and is also thought to involve a German partner with considerable experience in producing aviation-jet biofuels. (Source: Biokraft AS, Fish Farmer, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: Biokraft, Havard Wollan, CEO, +47 948 22 290, www.biokraft.no; SINTEF, www.sintef.no

More Low-Carbon Energy News SINTEF,  Aviation Biofuel,  Biofuel,  Biodiesel,  

Euglena
Date: 2019-12-23
Further to our 5th November, 2018 coverage, Japanese biotechnology company Euglena Co. and major trading house Itochu Corp. are reporting the launch of demonstration projects in Indonesia and Colombia to grow euglena microalgae to be used for the production of biofuel.

The Euglens's Yokohama facility has a production capacity of 125 kiloliters per year (33,000 gpy) of jet biofuel and ASTM certified biodiesel, increasing to 250,000 kiloliters (66,000 gpy) by 2025.

Euglena has partnered with aviation group ANA Holdings with the aim of fueling ANA commercial international flights as well as to offer bio jet fuel to other air carriers departing Japanese airports. ANA will support euglena to develop the airport infrastructure to supply aircraft. (Source: Euglena, Nikkei, 3 Nov., 2018) Contact: Euglena, Mitsuru Izumo, CEO, www.euglena.jp/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Euglena.Microalgae,  Al;gae Biodiesel,  Jet Biofuel,  

AirAsia Group
Date: 2019-12-18
Kuala Lumpur-based low-cost airline AirAsia Group Bhd reports it is researching palm oil-related biofuel with various research companies and the Ministry of Primary Industries to study the compatibility of the vegetable oil.

Palm oil palm is part of the company's sustainability plan to largely use use jet biofuels to reduce carbon emission, according to the company release. To that end, the company has reportedly signed forward purchase agreements for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) totaling roughly $6 billion. (Source: AirAsia Group, PR, New Strait Times, 19 Dec., 2019) Contact: AirAsia,Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Founder & CEO, www.airasia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News AirAsia Group,  Palm Oil,  Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel ,  

GEVO
Date: 2019-12-18
Englewood, Colorado-based Gevo, Inc. is reporting a long-term offtake agreement under which air carrier Delta Airlines will purchase 10 million gpy of advanced renewable biofuels from Gevo. The agreement complements the airline's recent $2 million investment in Northwest Advanced Bio-fuels, LLC for a feasibility study of a facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other biofuel products in Washington State.

The sustainable aviation fuel to be sold to Delta is expected to be produced upon completion of an expansion to Gevo's existing advanced biofuel production facility in Luverne, Minn. and is expected to be available for use by Delta between 2022-2023. (Source: GEVO, Yahoo Finance, 17 Dec., 2019)Contact: GEVO, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Delta,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  

Vancouver Airport Authority
Date: 2019-12-02
In British Columbia, the City of Vancouver Airport (YVR), Canada's second busiest airports, reports it is aiming to develop a biofuel supply chain to reduce conventional aviation kerosene fuel emissions.

To that end, the Vancouver Airport Authority has partnered with the Green Aviation Research and Development Network, the Waterfall Group and Netherlands-based SkyNRG -- a consortium of companies that source and market aviation biofuels -- to launch BioPortYVR, a new project to develop a source and pipeline for biofuels for YVR and other regional airports. (Source: Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR), Burnaby Now, Nov.28, 2019) Contact: Vancouver Airport Authority, Marion Town, Env. Affairs, 604-207-7077, 604-207-7070 - fax., customercallcentre@yvr.ca, www.yvr.ca; SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505, merel@skynrg.com, www.skynrg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  SkyNRG,  

Gevo,Scandinavian Airline System
Date: 2019-11-18
Englewood, Colorado-based renewable fuels and chemicals manufacturer GEVO Inc. is reporting an agreement with Stockholm-headquartered Scandinavian Airline System (SAS) to produce and supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from its expanded Luverne, Minnesota, plant, which is expected to be constructed over the next several years.

For every gallon of SAF produced, GEVO also produces approximately 10 pounds of protein that goes into the food supply chain and can sequester up to 2 pounds of CO2 as carbon into the soil, making it one of the only renewable jet fuel producers to produce both food and fuel while sequestering CO2. GEVO will also be more transparent with its sustainability practices by utilizing blockchain technology to track its sustainable agriculture efforts, according to the GEVO release. (Source: GEVO, Biofuels Prod., 15 Nov., 2019)Contact: GEVO, Patrick Gruber, CEO, 303-858-8358, pgruber@gevo.com, www.gevo.com; Scandinavian Airline System, www.sasgroup.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEVO,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Sustainable Aviation Fuel,  

Vertimass
Date: 2019-11-08
Irvine, California-based Vertimass LLC is reporting receipt of a cost-shared award of up to $1.4 million from the US DOE EERE Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) to optimize and commercialize jet biofuel production compatible with the current jet fuel infrastructure.

Existing US ethanol production plants currently have the capacity to produce approximately 16 billion gpy, a level that saturates current use as 10 pct blends with gasoline. However, the new Vertimass catalyst breaks that barrier by producing a hydrocarbon that can be blended at much higher levels. In addition, while ethanol has been traditionally considered too low in energy density for use as a jet fuel, the Vertimass catalyst can overcome that issue.

Initial tests indicate the Vertimass fuels (Vertifuels) are compatible for blending with gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels with no engine modifications, but further tests are underway for ASTM certification.

Vertimass is working with the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), TechnipFMC, and the University of California, Riverside (UCR). (Source: Vertimass LLC, EngineerLive, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: Vertimass LLC, John Hannon, CEO, www.vertimass.com; DOE EERE Bioenergy Technologies Office, www.energy.gov › eere › bioenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE EERE Bioenergy Technologies Office,  Vertimass,  Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  Biofuel,  

United Airlines,Fulcrum Bioenergy
Date: 2019-10-28
Following up on our Sept. 19th coverage, US air carrier United Airlines is reporting a $40 million commitment to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation biofuels and other technologies to decarbonize the aviation industry.

As previously reported , United agreed to purchase up to 10 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over the next two years. United also invested over $30 million in Fulcrum Bioenergy, a producer of SAF. The airline's option to purchase almost one billion gallons of sustainable fuel from Fulcrum represents the largest offtake agreement for SAF in the airline industry. (Source: United Airlines, Biofuels Int;l., 28 Oct., 2019) Contact: United Airlines, ;F ulcrum Bioenergy, Rick Barraza, VP Administration, (925) 224-8244, rbarraza@fulcrum-bioenergy.com, www.fulcrum-bioenergy.com, www.facebook.com/fulcrumbioenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News SAF,  Aviation Biofuels,  Jet Biofuel,  United Airlines,  Fulcrum,  Bioenergy,  

University of Manchester,Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
Date: 2019-10-23
In the UK, University of Manchester researchers lead by Professor Nigel Scrutton, Director of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and supported by the US-based international maritime research agency Office of Naval Research Global (ONR) are using synthetic biology to explore a more efficient way to produce the next generation of bio-based jet fuels from Halomonas bacteria that grows in seawater.

According to the researchers, Halomonas bacteria provides a viable "microbial chassis" that can be engineered for the economical production of next generation bio-based jet fuel. (Source: Univ.of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology Bio Market Insights, 23 Oct., 2019) Contact: University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Nigel Scrutton, Director, +44 161 306 5200, www.mib.ac.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News University of Manchester,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Manchester Institute of Biotechnology ,  

University of Alberta, Forge Hydrocarbon
Date: 2019-09-27
Prof. Dr. David Bressler, researcher at the University of Alberta reports development of a hydrocarbon fuel from lipid wastes that could allow renewable biofuels to be used as jet fuel.

Unlike ethanol and other biofuels, this technology can use lower quality oils in its production, allowing it to not only release an estimated 85 pct less carbon emissions than petroleum-based fuels, according to Bressler.

Bressler's lab is considering two options for producing jet biofuel -- a low-risk approach which requires giving their hydrocarbon biofuel another treatment and adding in hydrogen or to continue work on already partially developed chemistry which would keep the fuel stable, even at lower temperatures.

The University of Alberta spin-off company Forge Hydrocarbons is working on commercializing the product as airlines and both the Canadian and American militaries are increasingly investing in the renewable option. Currently, Forge runs a pilot plant near Edmonton's Waste Management Centre that is expected to produce around 19 million lpy of biofuel. (Source: University of Alberta, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: University of Alberta in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, Prof. Dr. David Bressler, 780-492-4986, dbressle@ualberta.ca, www.ualberta.ca; Forge Hydrocarbons, 905-815-7786, thaig@forgehc.com, www.forgehc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jet Biofuel,  Forge Hydrocarbons,  

Natural Resources Canada
Date: 2019-09-09
University of Alberta Bioresource scientist David Bressler's work on renewable jet fuels is among 23 projects receiving $27 million in funding from Natural Resource Canada's Western Economic Diversification Canada. Bressler's lab scored $1.6 million to help with the $6.2-million project, which also includes funding from Alberta Innovates, private investors and other funding.

With a biofuel research platform dating back to 2003, Bressler's lab has been the focal point of a push to test and validate renewable jet fuels. Oakville, Ontario-based Forge Hydrocarbons, a TEC Edmonton spinoff company based on Bressler's research, is already building a commercial plant. (Source: Univ. of Alberta, Sept., 2019) Contact: University of Alberta, David Bressler, TEC Edmonton, 780.492.8977, info@tecedmonton.com, www.tecedmonton.com; Forge Hydrocarbons, (905) 518-7786, www.forgehc.com; Natural Resource Canada's Western Economic Diversification Canada, www.wd-deo.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  

Avfuel Corporation
Date: 2019-08-26
Ann Arbor, Michigan-based aviation fuels and services provider Avfuel Corporation reports it will supply 7,300 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to operators flying in and out of Jackson Hole Aviation airfield on September 3 and 4. The initiative is part of a demonstration event to encourage further commercial-scale SAF production and use.

According to Avfuel, "We're committed to raising awareness on the viability of sustainable aviation fuel. Events like these show that the product exists, it is safe, it is simply jet fuel and it provides a great benefit to our environment. By raising awareness, we're hoping to garner commitments from more operators to use SAF and present those commitments to producers, in essence saying -- "Here are our customers. The demand is there. We simply need the supply." (Source: Avfuel Corporation, PR, 26 Aug., 2019) Contact: Avfuel Corp., Keith Sawyer, Alt. Fuels Manager, (734) 663-6466, www.avfuel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Avfuel news,  Aviation Biofuel news,  Jet Biofuel news,  SAF news,  

Lufthansa
Date: 2019-08-21
In Berlin, German airline Lufthansa's Innovation Hub is reporting the launch of its "Compensaid" sustainability platform focused on carbon-neutral sustainable renewable fuels (SAF). The new platform will allow airline passengers to offset their individual carbon footprint by using SAF, reducing up to 80 pct of their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

"Compensaid" combines a global airline flight tracking tool with a sustainability platform that makes it possible to directly offset individual CO2 emissions. The platform offers two options for carbon offsetting -- the option to replace fossil fuel with SAF, which is calculated through a market-based surcharge on flights, or the alternative is to use Compensaid to support a reforestation project in Nicaragua, reducing CO2 emissions in the long-term. (Source: Lufthansa, Biofuels Int'l., 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Lufthansa Innovation Hub, Gleb Tritus, Dir., https://de.linkedin.com/in/glebtritus, welcome@lh-innovationhub.com; www.lh-innovationhub.com, www.lufthansagroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Sustainable Fuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Lufthansa,  Carbon Offsetting,  Carbon Offset,  

Finnair,SkyNRG
Date: 2019-08-07
Finnair reports it's first biofuel flights -- August 5th and 7th from Sanfrancisco to Helsinki -- backed by its "Push for Change" carbon decreasing initiative. The flights were fueled with a 12 pct biofuel mix reducing the total C02 emissions for the two flights by approximately 32 tons.

Finnair's biofuels partners in San Francisco are SkyNRG and World Energy; Shell Aviation has provided logistics and supply chain support for the project. The sustainable biofuel was produced from used cooking oil in California. Additional information on Finnair’s Push for Change initiative, including the options to purchase biofuel for future flights as well as the offsetting of carbon emissions through certified projects, can be found on Finnair.com's "Push for hange" site. (Source: Finnair, Travel Daily News, 6 Aug., 2019) Contact: Finnair, Arja Suominen, SVP, Communications, Kati Ihamaki, Director Corporate Sustainability, www.finnair.com; SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505, merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Finnair,  SkyNRG,  

EgyptAir, World Energy,
Date: 2019-07-29
In Cairo, Egypt's national air carrier, EgyptAir is reporting receipt of its newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The Dreamliner flew 10,973 kilometres from Seattle to Cairo fueled solely by sustainable aviation fuel to become the world's longest sustainable flight.

EgyptAir is the first operator to use Boeing's new sustainable fuel delivery program that gives airlines the option to pick biofuel for aircraft delivery flights. Sustainable aviation fuels have been shown to help reduce aircraft CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent. The biodiesel biofuel used to power the Dreamliner was created from agricultural waste by Boston-headquartered World Energy at its Paramount, California facility which was designed to produce renewable jet fuel on a commercial scale. (Source: EgyptAir, N Lifestyle, 28 July, 2019) Contact: World Energy, 617-889-7300, Fax: 617-887-2411, info@worldenergy.net, www.worldenergy.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News EgyptAir,  Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  World Energy ,  

Quantafuel,Avinor
Date: 2019-06-28
In Oslo, Norway's state-owned airport operator Avinor reports it will purchase more than €827,000 of Norwegian produced woody biomass-based aviation biofuel produced by Quantafuel.

Quantafuel's technology produces liquid fuel from biomass, which is comprised of solid wood in the form of chips, sawdust and other qualities. Quantafuel's biomass-to-liquid pilot plant will be located in eastern Norway, according to Avinor. Success of the pilot project will enable Quantafuel to consider a full-scale plant, with preliminary capacity targets of at least 7-9 million lpy of fuel. (Source: Quantafuel, Biofuel Int'l., 27 June, 2019) Contact: Quantafuel, Kjetil Bohn, CEO, contact@quantafuel.com, www.quantafuel.com; Avinor, Dag Falk-Petersen, CEO, www.avinor.no/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Avinor,  

Boeing
Date: 2019-06-07
Aviation industry giant Boeing reports the release of its 2019 Global Environment Report highlighting how the company is building cleaner, more fuel-efficient airplanes and finding innovative ways to recycle and conserve resources.

In 2018, Boeing unveiled its new environment strategy through 2025 with ambitious goals to innovate products for environmental performance, reduce emissions, waste, and water and energy consumption at work sites, and to work with communities around the globe. Report highlights include:

Working with Etihad Airways to fly a 787 Dreamliner powered partly by biofuel made from desert plants irrigated with seawater;

Catalyzing development of sustainable aviation fuel and offering customers the option of using biofuel on delivery flights;

Surpassing 2018 targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 7.3 pct at work sites, and others. (Source: Boeing, 5 June, 2019) Contact: Boeing Environment, Bryan Scott, VP, Environment, Holly Braithwaite, Mobile: +1 206-900-3962, holly.braithwaite@boeing.com, www.boeing.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Boeing,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Biofuel,  

KLM, SkyNRG
Date: 2019-05-29
Dutch air carrier KLM is reporting a 10-year agreement for the development and purchase of 75,000 tpy of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The agreement is in keeping with KLM's sustainability ambitions and will reduce its CO2 emissions by 200,000 tpy.

KLM serves as one of the partners in a collaborative project -- called DSL-01 -- that will develop Europe's first dedicated SAF production plant which is expected to open in 2022 and produce 100,000 tpy of SAF and 15,000 tpy of bioLPG as a byproduct. Other partners in the project, which is expected to come in at roughly €260 million ($290 million), include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, SkyNRG, and SHV Energy, a global LPG distribution company.

SAF delivers a CO2 reduction of at least 85 pct compared with fossil fuel and contributes to a significant decrease in ultra-fine particles and sulfur emissions. (Source: KLM, AIN Online, 28 May, 2019) Contact:SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505. merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com; KLM Corporate Office, www.klm.com/Office

More Low-Carbon Energy News KLM,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  

SkyNRG
Date: 2019-05-27
Further to our 10 Sept., 2018 report, Geneva, Switzerland-base aviation biofuel specialist SkyNRG is reporting it will develop Europe's first sustainable aviation fuel production plant in the Dutch province of Groningen. The new facility will use regionally sourced waste streams, such as used cooking oil to produce sustainable fuel and bio propane for KLM and SHV Energy respectively.

Starting in 2022, the facility will produce 100,000 tpy of sustainable fuel which translates into the aviation industry reducing its CO2 emissions with 270,000 tpy year. The aviation industry is currently responsible for more than 2 pct of the global CO2 emissions.

Compared with conventional jet fuel, SkyNRG's state of the art facility reduces life cycle CO2 emissions by at least 85 pct In addition, flights using sustainable aviation fuel create significantly less emissions of ultrafine particles and sulphur. (Source: SkyNRG, Climate-KIC, 27 May, 2019)Contact: SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505. merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SkyNRG,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  

Neste, Air BP
Date: 2019-04-15
Helsinki-headquartered Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel fuel reports it is joining Air BP, a leading aviation fuel products and services supplier, to develop a robust supply chain for aviation biofuels in Sweden.

"Sweden is becoming a leading country in decarbonizing aviation with its proposal to introduce a greenhouse gas reduction mandate for aviation fuel sold in Sweden. Together with Air BP we are able to support air transport in Sweden in their efforts, and this collaboration gives both of us valuable insight into developing similar supply chains to decarbonize aviation in other markets," according to Neste President and CEO Peter Vanacker.

Air BP is the specialised aviation division of BP. Air BP services are available at over 1000 airport locations in 70 countries and serves airlines, commercial aviation and general aviation.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a cost competitive, low-carbon fuel produced from 100 pct renewable and sustainable raw materials that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 pct compared to petroleum diesel. (Source: Air BP, Innovators, 15 April, 2019) Contact: Air BP, Jon Platt, CEO, +27 (11) 488 5111, www.bp.com/en/global/bp-air.html; Neste, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Neste,  BP,  

Aviation Biofuel
Date: 2019-03-25
Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in China report finding a way to convert plant waste from agriculture and timber woody biomass into high-density aviation fuel that can be used as either a wholesale replacement fuel or as an additive to improve the efficiency of other jet fuels. The research was published in the journal of Joule.

Cellulose, an abundant polymer that forms the cell walls of plants is the main component in the new biofuel. Although the researchers produced the biofuel at a laboratory scale they believe that the process' cheap, abundant cellulose feedstock, fewer production steps, and lower energy cost and consumption mean it will soon be ready for commercial use. They also predict it will yield higher profits than conventional aviation fuel due to lower production costs. (Source: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, ANI, Green Car Congress, Siasat Daily, 23 Mar., 2019) Contact: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Ning Li, +86 411- 8437-9598, english.dicp.cas.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Cellulosic,  

Etihad Airways
Date: 2019-01-18
Following up on our November 3rd, 2017 coverage, Abu Dhabi, UEA-based Etihad Airways reports it has flown the world's first commercial flight using locally produced sustainable biofuel derived from plants grown in saltwater.

The biofuel was produced in the UAE by the not-for-profit Masdar Institute of Science and Technology's Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), a part of the Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The biofuel fuel was derived from oil in Salicornia plants grown on the two-hectare Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS) farm -- a desert ecosystem designed to produce fuel and food in saltwater -- in Masdar City. (Source: Etihad Airways, Trade Arabia News, 17 Jan., 2019)Contact: Etihad Aviation Group, Corporate Affairs, +971 50 818 9596, www.theetihadaviationgroup.com, www.etihad.com; Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), Masdar Institute, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ac.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News Etihad Airways,  Green Fuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  

Japan Airlines
Date: 2019-01-09
Japan Airlines (JAL) is reporting it plans to operate select flights from San Francisco to Tokyo (Haneda Airport) with an aircraft fueled by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied by Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., beginning the month. In January 2009, JAL operated a test flight in Japan with SAF using a mixture of three second-generation biofuel feedstocks and in November 2017, the airline operated a passenger flight with SAF from Chicago to Tokyo. The airline also reports it plans to operate a charter flight with SAF made from recycled clothes.

The SAF initiative is part of JAL's Medium Term Management Plan to actively contribute and tackle Global Sustainable Development Goals, including the reduction of CO2 emissions. (Source: Japan Airlines, PR, 8 Jan., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel news,  Jet Biofuel news,  Sustainable Aviation Fuel news,  

Fischer-Tropsch,Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Date: 2019-01-02
In December, a Japanese consortium led by Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd., CEPCO, Toyo Engineering Corp., the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), with support from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), touted a planned demonstration facility that integrates high-performance entrained-flow gasification technology and Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis for the production of jet fuel from woody biomass. The consortium of the demo project is now underway for an expected trial production run later this year.

When fully operational, the the demo facility will potentially process 0.7 tpd of woody biomass to produce about 20 lpd of "neat" biojet fuel. MHPS will be responsible for the entrained-bed gasification technology, Toyo for micro-channel F-T synthesis technology and the reforming of the synthesized oil, CEPCO for equipment operation and fuel procurement, and JAXA for evaluation of combustion characteristics.

MHPS notes it has been developing coal-gasification technology since the 1980s, and has established high-performance gasification furnace technology. (Source: MHPS, Chemical Engineering, 1 Jan., 2019) Contact: MHPS, www.mhps.com; NEDO, www.nedo.go.jp; JAXA, global.jaxa.jp

More Low-Carbon Energy News JAXA,  Fischer-Tropsch,  Woody Biomass,  Jet Biofuel,  Mitsubishi Hitachi Power ,  

Finnair,Nordic Environment Finance Corporation
Date: 2018-12-12
Further to our July 30th coverage, Finland's national air carrier Finnair reports it will offer a new service allowing customers to offset the CO2 emissions of their flights by funding emissions reduction projects or carbon sinks, or by supporting the use of biofuels, beginning in early 2019. Finnair's partners for its offset service will include Dutch SkyNRG company and for emission reduction projects, Finnairand the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO), an international financial institution backed by the Nordic states.

The Helsinki-headquartered airline is part of an initiative driven by Shell, SkyNRG, World Energy, San Francisco Airport and several other airlines, which aims to pave the way for a longer term, more resilient supply chain for sustainable aviation fuels, and thus supporting the aviation industry's common CO2 emission reduction targets. (Source: Finnair, Travel Daily, 10 Dec., 2018) Contact: Finnair, Kati Ihamaki, Director, Corporate Sustainability, www.finnair.com; Nordic Environment Finance Corporation, www.nefco.org; www.nefco.org; SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, Director, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505, merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SkyNRG,  Finnair,  Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  Carbon Emissions,  ,  

British Airways
Date: 2018-12-05
In the UK, air carrier British Airways, In collaboration with Cranfield University, is touting its new "BA 2119: Future of Fuels" challenge aimed at encouraging academics across the U.K. to develop a sustainable alternative fuel able to power a commercial aircraft on a long-haul flight, with up to 300 customers and zero net emissions. BA's challenge is the first time the industry has tasked experts from both aerospace and fuel fields to work in collaboration to tackle this environmental issue.

The Challenge winning team will receive £25,000 ($31,000) to support further research and a commitment from British Airways to work together to advance the idea. Nominations will be judged by a panel of industry experts based on the potential carbon reduction, innovation, value to the U.K. economy and feasibility of the idea.

As an early proponent of renewable jet fuels, IAG -- BA's parent company -- has committed to invest as much as $400 million on alternative sustainable fuel development over the next 20 years -- the highest ever financial commitment from an airline group. (Source: British Airways, Airline Geeks, 3 Dec., 2018) Contact: British Airways, www.britishairways.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  Biofuel,  Sustainable Fuel,  Renewable Fuel,  

euglena
Date: 2018-11-05
Further to our May 22md coverage, Tokyo-headquartered Japanese biotechnology company euglena reports it is set to begin mass production of algae and waste oil based jet biofuel and biodiesel with the completion of its refinery plant in Yokohama.

The Yokohama facility has a production capacity of 125 kiloliters of jet biofuel and ASTM certified biodiesel per year, increasing to 250,000 kiloliters per year by 2025.

The company has partnered with aviation group ANA Holdings with the aim of fueling their commercial international flights departing from Japan by 2020. Euglena is also planning to offer bio jet fuel to other companies taking off from Japan. ANA will support euglena to develop the airport infrastructure to supply aircraft. (Source: euglena, Nikkei, 3 Nov., 2018) Contact: euglena, Mitsuru Izumo, CEO, www.euglena.jp/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Algae Biofuel,  euglena,  Jet Biofuel,  Biofuel,  

Jet Biofuel
Date: 2018-10-17
A coalition of international aviation organizations is reporting its up-coming Business Jets Fuel Green: A Step Toward Sustainability event scheduled for Jan. 17, 2019, at the Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Southern California. According to the organizers, the upcoming event reaffirms the general aviation industry's commitment to advancing the development and adoption of Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF). The event will demonstrate that SAJF can become a mainstream, drop-in alternative for today's general aviation aircraft. Jet fuel blended with SAJF will be available from VNY's four fixed-based operators during the event. Download event details HERE

According to the Montreal-headquartered Intl Business Aviation Council (IBAC) Director General Kurt Edwards, "The global business aviation industry has committed to mitigating and ultimately reducing its carbon emissions through a number of measures, including operational improvements and new technologies. Sustainable aviation fuel is a central technology that will propel us to meet our goals. IBAC commends the initiative at Van Nuys Airport as a solid first step with many more to come as business aviation, always on the cutting edge of technology, takes up such fuels."

Download the Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel Initiative & Business Aviation Guide HERE Source: National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Oct 16, 2018) Contact: NBAA, (202) 783-9000, Fax: (202) 331-8364, info@nbaa.org, www.nbaa.org; Intl Business Aviation Council, (514) 954-6161, info@ibac.org, www.ibac.org

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Neste,Air BP
Date: 2018-10-12
Biofuels specialist Neste and aviation fuel supplier Air BP report they are partnering to scale up the fledgling supply chain for sustainable jet fuels made from waste-based feedstocks and will work together to introduce a co-branded sustainable aviation fuel to market at airports through Air BP's global network.

Neste's MY Renewable Jet Fuel has been used in thousands of commercial flights. Similarly, Air BP has supplied its BP Biojet product at 10 airports across the Nordic countries since 2014.

The aviation industry is facing mounting pressure to curb emissions ahead of the introduction of the UN-backed CORSIA offsetting scheme, which is set to impose a carbon price on a growing number of airlines with a view to ensuring the sector delivers on its goals of securing 'carbon neutral growth' from 2020 and cutting net aviation emissions in half by 2050. (Source: Neste, BusinessGreen, Others, 11 Oct., 2018) Contact: Neste, Kaisa Hietala, Executive VP, Renewable Products, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; BP Air, www.bp.com/en/global/bp-air.html

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Norway
Date: 2018-10-05
In Oslo, Reuters is reporting the Norwegian minority centre-right government Ministry of Climate and Environment has announced that the aviation industry will be required to mix 0.5 pct advanced biofuel -- excluding palm oil -- into its jet fuel beginning in 2020. (Source: Norway Ministry of Climate and Environment, Reuters, 4 Oct., 2018) Contact: Norway Ministry of Climate and Environment, +47 22 24 90 90, postmottak@kld.dep.no, www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kld/id668/

More Low-Carbon Energy News Jet Biofuel,  Advanced Biofuel,  

Agrisoma Biosciences
Date: 2018-09-14
Gatineau, Quebec-based Carinata mustard biofuels producer Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. reports it biofuel is being used by United Airlines. Thirty pct of the jet fuel used in the Boeing will be replaced by Agrisoma's biofuel, leading the company to proclaim the plane will emit 30 pct less greenhouse gases than a regular flight. Currently, the technical and regulatory rules limit to 50 pct the amount of biofuel that can be used in commercial aircraft.

Carinata mustard can be grow on poor quality land at low cost. Once the oil is extracted from the plant, the residue becomes a protein-rich byproduct that can be used as livestock feed. (Source: Agrisoma, 570 News, 14 Sept., 2018) Contact: Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., Steve Fabijanski, CEO, 819-205-7795, www.agrisoma.com, www.growcarinata.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Agrisoma Biosciences,  Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Carinata,  ,  

Virgin Australia
Date: 2018-09-12
In the Land Down Under, Brisbane Airport is confirming the successful delivery of jet biofuel through the airport's regular fuel system.

The trial, which involved the delivery of approximately 20,000 litres of jet biofuel imported from the US, was intended to show potential biofuel producers that their product could be mixed with traditional aviation fuels and piped through the Brisbane Airport fueling system to end users.

In October, 2017, Virgin (Airlines) Australia announced a two-year project with Brisbane airport, US renewable fuel supplier Gevo and the Queensland Government and worked on the trial with supply partners Caltex and DB Schenker. The first test saw a biofuel blend pumped to 195 domestic and international flights that traveled more than 430,000 kilometres. Additional trials are expected over the next 12 to 18 months. (Source: Virgin Australia, Virgin, Airline Ratings, Sept., 2018) Contact: GEVO, Pat Gruber, CEO, (303) 858-3358, info@gevo.com, www.gevo.com; Virgin Australia, +61 7 3295 2296, www.virginaustralia.com/uk; Brisbane Airport, https://bne.com.au

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Jet Biofuel
Date: 2018-08-27
India's first ever biofuel flight, operated by SpiceJet, completed its maiden trip toda. A 78-seater aircraft Bombardier Q400 aircraft, partially using biojet fuel, took off from Dehradun and landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.

The biofuel for the flight was developed and tested by Dehradun-based CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum. SpiceJet's biofuel is a mix of the oil extracted from the seeds of Jatropha plant and regular aviation turbine fuel, the airline said. (Source: SpiceJet, NDTV, DNA, 27 Aug., 2018) Contact: CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, +91 135 252 5722, www.iip.res.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  Jatropha biofuel,  

Neste
Date: 2018-08-24
Helsinki-headquartered renewable fuel producer Neste Oyj reports that due to funding shortfalls Geneva Airport has decided not to proceed with its September, 2017 plan to replace 1 pct of the conventional jet fuel used for aircraft with renewable jet fuel in a pilot project with Neste.

Neste also reports it will continue renewable jet fuel production as planned and volumes will increase year-on-year. With the company's planned additional 1 million ton renewable product capacity in Singapore, renewable jet fuel production is estimated to increase significantly by 2022.

Under the umbrella of Neste Green Hub, Neste continues efforts linked to the reduction of CO2 emissions in aviation and to support the objectives set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for carbon-neutral growth in aviation from 2020.

Neste Green Hub connects key stakeholders and creates a platform where airports, solutions providers, airlines, authorities, local community and passengers all unite and contribute to more sustainable traveling. Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel is an essential element in the Green Hub initiative. (Source: Neste, euronews, 22 Aug., 2018) Contact: Neste, Kaisa Hietala, Executive VP, Renewable Products, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

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NEXT Energy
Date: 2018-08-24
NEXT Energy is proposing a $1.1 billion, 37,500 bpd second generation advanced biofuel -- renewable diesel -- green jet fuel -- production facility for Port Westward , Columbia County, Oregon. If approved, the project would be the largest renewable fuel center in North America, according to NEXT Energy.

As proposed, NEXT Energy would construct a new site on an 80 acre port-owned property and, when fully operational, employ about 210 Columbia County area workers at an average wage of $78,000. The company also claims it would not seek tax concessions from the county. The plant would produce "second generation advanced biofuel" made from renewable feedstock like vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oil. The feedstock and finished fuel product would be shipped in and out by barge, according to the project proposal. (Source: NEXT Energy, Columbia County Spotlight, 23 Aug., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuel,  NEXT Energy,  Jet Biofuel,  Biodiesel ,  

Biofuel
Date: 2018-08-20
The Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, the Hon. Amarjeet Sohi has launched the Canadian Federal (Liberal) government's initiative to support and encourage Canadian innovation in the field of low-carbon aviation biofuels.

Under the 18-month competition, innovators can win $2 million apiece for four teams that develop the most innovative solutions to produce economical and environmentally sustainable aviation fuel. An additional $5 million grand prize is on the line, as well as a Cross-Canada Flight Competition where the first to fuel a Canadian commercial flight using a minimum 10 pct blend of Canadian-made biojet fuel will win $1 million.

The Canadian aviation industry has targeted a 50 pct reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, Global News, 18 Aug., 2018) Contact: Natural Resources Canada, Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister, 613-992-1013, Amarjeet.Sohi@parl.gc.ca , amarjeetsohi.ca, https://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister/honourable-amarjeet-sohi

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Red Rock Biofuel
Date: 2018-07-27
Fort Collins, Colorado-based Red Rock Biofuels, a developer of renewable jet and diesel fuel bio-refineries, reports its new $320 million project has officially broken ground in Lakeview, Colorado. The plant will convert biomass waste products such as agriculture waste, pine needles and other biomass into jet fuel at the rate of 15 million gpy.

According to Red Rock, the primary clientele is expected to be Southwest Airlines and Federal Express, which recently signed contracts with Red Rock. Fuel deliveries are expected to begin before December, 2020.

Through a proprietary integration of existing technologies, RRB makes the long-commercialized Fischer-Tropsch process economic at the biomass scale, according to the compay's website. (Source: Red Rock Biofuels, Lake County Examiner, 25 July, 2018) Contact: Red Rock Biofuel, Terry Kulesa, CEO, (970) 223-6766, tkulesa@redrockbio.com, www.redrockbio.com.

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SAS,PREEM
Date: 2018-07-16
Reporting from Stockholm, Scandinavian airline SAS and Sweden's largest fuel company PREEM have inked a Letter of Intent to partner on the production of renewable jet fuel from forestry residue and other biomass wastes.

Production is slated to get underway at PREEM's expanded Gothenburg refinery in 2022, with the total capacity for biofuels to be more than 264 million gpy of which a subset will be biojet fuel.

SAS has set a target to use all renewable jet fuel in its domestic flights by 2030. Preem's goal is to manufacture 3 million cubic meters (793 million gpy of biofuels by 2030. SAS and PREEM intend to enter more detailed and binding agreements by this September. Preem is also planning a separate project that, together with new hydrogen production plants, will increase the company's renewable fuel production capacity by 60 pct. (Source: PREEM, SAS, GreenCar Congress, 14 July, 2018) Contact: SAS, https://sasgroup.net; PREEM, Petter Holland, CEO, Pres., +46 (0) 10 459 1000, www.preem.se/en/in-english

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GEVO
Date: 2018-06-22
Englewood, Colorado-based isobutanol specialist GEVO Inc. reports it has inked an agreement to supply its renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) to global aviation fuel supplier Avfuel Corporation, effective July 1, 2018. Avfuel services over 3,000 locations worldwide. The Supply Agreement with Avfuel is GEVO's first long-term commercial supply agreement for its ATJ.

Iniially, GEVO will supply Avfuel from its 70,000 gpy hydrocarbon processing facility in Silsbee, Texas. GEVO expects to construct a larger-scale hydrocarbon facility at its existing ethanol and isobutanol production facility located in Luverne, Minnesota, subject to financing. Upon completion of the Luverne Hydrocarbon Facility, GEVO would supply Avfuel with larger volumes of ATJ, ramping up to 1,000,000 gpy of unblended ATJ which, when blended with conventional jet fuel, would produce many millions of gallons of finished ASTM D1655 jet-fuel product.. (Source: GEVO, PR, 21 June, 2018) Contact: Avfuel Corporation , Craig Sincock, Pres., CEO, Marci Ammerman, VCP Marketing, (734) 663-6466, mammerman@avfuel.com, www.avfuel.com; GEVO, Pat Gruber, CEO, (303) 858-3358, info@gevo.com, www.gevo.com

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Cathay Pacific,Fulcrum BioEnergy
Date: 2018-06-06
Hong Kong-headquartered air carrier Cathay Pacific reports it will use a 10 pct blend of alternative jet biofuel to deliver new of 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to Hong Kong over the next 4 years. The first A350-1000 will depart Airbus headquarters in Toulouse on 19 June. A further seven aircraft are due for delivery by the end of 2018.

In 2014, Cathay Pacific became an equity investor in US-based Fulcrum BioEnergy Inc., which focuses on turning municipal solid waste into sustainable aviation fuel. As previously reported, Fulcrum broke ground on its first commercial-scale plant last month in Nevada. When fully operational in 202, the plant is expected to produce approximately 10 million gpy. (Source: Cathay Pacific, 4 June, 2018)Contact: Cathay Pacific, Rupert Hogg, CEO, www.cathaypacific.com; Fulcrum Bioenergy Inc, Rick Barraza, VP Administration, (925) 224-8244, rbarraza@fulcrum-bioenergy.com, www.fulcrum-bioenergy.com, www.facebook.com/fulcrumbioenergy

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Shell Aviation,SkyNRG
Date: 2018-06-06
Shell Aviation and Geneva, Switzerland-based SkyNRG are reporting a long term strategic collaboration aimed at promoting and developing long-term opportunities for low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel. The two firms will jointly fund the effort, according to the release.

SkyNRG, which blends and distributes sustainable aviation fuel as well as developing regional supply chains, has supplied sustainable aviation fuel to more than 25 airlines worldwide, according to the release.

Shell Aviation is a leading aviation fuel and lubricants supplier, delivering fuel to around 850 airports in 32 countries, according to the release. (Source: Shell Aviation, Bifuels Int'l, June, 2018) Contact: SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, CEO. Shell Aviation, Anne Anderson, VP, Merel Laroy, +31 6 30833505, merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com; Shell Aviation,www.shell.com/business-customers/aviation.html

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IATA
Date: 2018-06-04
Further to our 28 February, 2018 coverage, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for the European Council (EC) and Commission (EU) to back incentives for production of aviation alternative-biofuels as part of an imminent renewable energy directive.

The directive includes specific incentives for EU member countries developing their use in aviation which essentially give it twice as much credit against national targets as alternative fuels in other sectors. The directive, which followed European Commission proposals, now awaits the European Council agreement.

The IATA notes that since the first biofuels flight in 2008 there have been more than 100,000 commercial flights using some blend of alternative fuel. (Source: IATA, Flight Global, 3 June, 2018)Contact: IATA, Michael Gill, Director Aviation Environment, +41 22 770 2967, www.iata.org

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Sea-Tac
Date: 2018-05-02
In Washington State, the Port of Seattle is reporting that Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Horizon Airlines, Spirit Airlines and others will collaborate on a work plan for providing all airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) with access to sustainable aviation biofuel.

The partners will work to meet the specific sustainable aviation fuel timetable and goals approved by the Port of Seattle Commission in December 2017 -- a minimum of 10 pct of sustainable jet fuel to be produced locally from sustainable sources within 10 years, increasing to 50 pct by 2050.

Airlines at Sea-Tac are projected to use about 700 million gpy of jet fuel. A 10 pct reduction would eliminate the equivalent of 682,500 metric tpy of airlines greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Seattle Tacoma Airport, PR, May 1, 2018) Contact: Seattle Tacoma Airport, (206) 787-5388, www.portseattle.org/sea-tac

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