Boeing in scheme to develop biofuel

Boeing, the US aerospace giant best known for making the 747 jumbo jet, is working on plans to develop a “biofuel blend” derived from plants or algae that could power conventional jets.

E
xecutives at the company said a hybrid fuel could be available within five years, using the same engines that currently propel conventional jets.
Bill Glover, managing director of environmental strategy at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said “we could see something within five years”.

He stressed that any fuel would still be a blend with between 20 per cent and 40 per cent derived from a plant source.

Boeing has teamed up with BP and Royal Dutch Shell to help launch the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative to explore the viability of alternative fuels.

The first study is exploring issues such as feasibility, costs, barriers and technical issues.

The biggest impetus behind finding alternative fuels is the high cost of petroleum.

Crude prices have soared to record highs in recent years and if they remain high, alternative fuels will continue to be attractive.

The West