Flight of biofuel fancy?

Going forward, Virgin Atlantic and Boeing will test biofuel made from algae that is farmed on non-productive land in ponds of seawater.

Actual yields of algae are unclear. Assuming 10,000 gallons of algae can be grown per acre every year, Boeing says the world’s fleet could be powered by algae grown in an area the size of West Virginia. Other reports suggest the land required may be four times that.
But early tests for algae look promising, says a Boeing spokesperson. Fuel derived from algae oil has a lifecycle CO2 advantage, he says, which means it absorbs CO2 when the feedstock is being grown. It may also produce fewer particulates or other non-CO2 emissions when used in an engine compared to conventional petroleum-based fuel.

“Our future work will provide more conclusive benefits as these fuels are developed for commercialization,” he says.

PR hype or not, research such as this is part of a growing body of work by the industry to reduce its impact on the environment.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) last year set itself a long-term, yet ambitious, goal to build a zero emissions aircraft in the next 50 years.

CNN