Biotech Updates

UK to Turn to Biofuel-Powered Aircraft to Cut Carbon Emissions

September 13, 2017
http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12812/uk_promotes_advanced_biofuelpowered_planes/

Passenger planes in the UK could soon be powered by biofuels made from waste under a scheme to cut emissions, UK's Department for Transport (DfT) announced. The DfT have announced this as a step towards its intention to cut carbon emissions.

The DfT also said that the new fuels were "chemically very similar to conventional fuels" and could be used in existing aircraft without engine modifications. Aircraft and lorries powered by these waste fuels could use up to 90% less carbon compared to fossil fuels. Trials of jet fuel made from waste materials have been done in Europe and North America.


Currently, groups have expressed interest in bidding for the DfT funding to develop proposals in the UK. The funding is available to projects producing low-carbon waste-based fuels to be used in planes and lorries that cannot use electric power. It is viewed that the government funding will help develop at least five new low-carbon fuel plants by 2021.