First things first

On March 19th, 2008, the Air Force successfully completed another in a series of tests designed to switch their planes over to synthetic fuel blends made partly from a Fisher-Tropsch (F-T) coal-to-liquids (CTL) process. In 2006 the Air Force successfully flew a B-52 using the new fuel mix. The latest demonstration involved a B-1B Lancer, which flew at supersonic speeds over Texas and New Mexico using a blend of F-T and JP-8 jet fuel.

“The goal is to have every aircraft [certified for] synthetic fuel blends by 2011,” said Maj. Don Rhymer, assigned to the Air Force Alternative Fuels Certification Office. “By 2016 we hope at least 50 percent of this fuel will be produced domestically.”

Will the Air Force’s scheme be implemented? Coal-to-liquids conversion emits lots of carbon dioxide but produces a viable substitute for diesel and jet fuel made by refining crude oil. An epic battle is shaping up between those concerned about climate change and those seeking to lower their transportation fuel costs and enhance their energy security. But is this the right battle for Americans to fight?

Energy Bulletin