Boeing and Air New Zealand (Air NZ) are finishing the last details to test a plane running on biofuels. The fuel is made up from algae that develop in sewers, with a patented process by Aquaflow Bionomic, a company from New Zealand.

Should the project be successful, it would be the first time a biofuel is used in aviation. Both Boeing and Air NZ have prepared a special plane which will have separate fuel systems. One motor is expected to run with regular fuel, whereas the other will run on the new fuel, kept in separate deposits. The pilot will be able to select the fuel type at any moment, if the biofuel didn't run as expected.

Neither of the two companies have confirmed if this could result in a new partnership to sell this technology. It's no secret that Boeing is very interested in this type of biofuel, but there is a concern with the possibility of this fuel freezing at upper-sky temperatures.

Aquaflow Bionomic's technology obtains lipids from algae that can be found in sewers and waste-water ponds. The company is looking for expansion via partnership in both America and Europe.

(The image above is of a hydrogen-powered Boeing prototype)

Related:

• Boeing likes algae as a source for new biofuels
• Halophyte-derived biofuels may be capable of powering aircraft

[Source: Agroinformacion.com (link is in Spanish)]

Following up on the announcement from Virgin Fuels earlier in the week of their intention to work with Boeing to demonstrate biofuel in a 747-400. Now comes further information that Boeing considers algae as the best prospect as a source for aviation fuel. The aircraft manufacturer will be focusing on testing the performance of algae derived jet fuel, especially its freezing point.

Initial tests may use soy or canola fuels until algae is further along in the development process. Boeing's Dave Daggett estimates that algae ponds totaling 34,000 sq. km could produce enough fuel to reduce the net CO2 footprint for all of aviation to zero. That's an area equivalent to the size of Maryland.

[Source: FlightGlobal]