GE Aviation is testing biofuels made from alcohol.
It is using 100% of Gevo’s renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) to carry out ‘jet engine combustor component testing’. as part of the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise Program (CLEEN) led by America’s Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
“GE Aviation’s collaboration with the FAA and Gevo under CLEEN is an excellent example of our long-standing commitment to sustainable aviation. Efforts such as this one are expected to help accelerate the transition from petroleum-based fuels to more environmentally friendly ones,” said Dr Gurhan Andac, Engineering Leader, Aviation Fuels & Additives, GE Aviation.
The tests are designed to increase the amount of biofuels planes can be use in comparison to petroleum-based fuels, as the aviation industry continues to step up efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
“If we are truly going to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aviation, we need to be able to replace larger percentages of petroleum jet fuel with bio-based alternatives such as Gevo’s ATJ. The future is to replace the whole barrel of oil with bio-based hydrocarbons that stimulate the economy, mitigate GHG emissions, draw on abundant resources and enhance sustainability. We want to thank the FAA and GE Aviation for their vision in supporting projects like this one,” added Dr Patrick Gruber, Gevo’s Chief Executive Officer.
Innovators Magazine reported last month that Gevo’s fuel is being supplied at Chicago O’Hare airport through Air BP. The US company is also involved in a similar initiative at Brisbane Airport.
