Honeywell International Inc., Airbus SAS, JetBlue Airways Corp. and IAE International Aero Engines AG are teaming up to try and turn biofeedstocks into commercial aviation fuels. They'll focus on "second-generation" feedstocks such as algae, which do not compete with food or water resources like corn-based ethanol does. A
commercially viable algae-based fuel has become more feasible with surging oil prices, though it has some
technological hurdles to clear.
The partnership hopes that "second-generation" bio-jet could provide up to
30% of all commercial aviation jet fuel by 2030. Honeywell is participating through subsidiary UOP LLC, part of the specialty materials strategic business group, and its $12 billion aerospace business. UOP has already developed process technology to convert natural oils and greases to military jet fuel.
Many companies are trying to find a way to cash in on biofuel. On Wednesday, we noted that
DuPont and Genencor will form a 50-50 global joint venture, working to develop and commercialize a low-cost solution for the production of cellulosic ethanol as an alternative to corn-based ethanol. -
Baz HiralalGo to the announcement from Honeywell
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