Boeing, airlines to begin testing algae oil as jet fuel

Boeing, airlines to begin testing algae oil as jet fuel

Air New Zealand Chief Pilot David Morgan with samples of jatropha oil and the first ever "J50" biofuel blend.

Tools

Story Published: Dec 8, 2008 at 9:23 AM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 8, 2008 at 9:23 AM PDT

By Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) - Boeing, airlines and engine makers are testing jet fuel made from algae and a nonfood plant called jatropha.

Continental Airlines says it will test the biofuel on a demonstration flight, with no passengers, Jan. 7 in Houston.

One of the engines of the Boeing 737-800 will be powered with a mix of jet fuel and fuel derived from algae and jatropha seeds. Boeing is a partner in the project that Continental says will be the first using algae as a fuel.

Air New Zealand also is testing jatropha fuel in a 747 jetliner using technology developed by UOP, a Honeywell company.

The Tacoma News Tribune reports Boeing was instrumental in forming the Algal Biomass Organization in Seattle to look for sustainable fuels that don't use farm land.

Weather & Traffic

Icon
Current Temp 61.0 °F
Mostly Cloudy
More Weather

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Marketplace