TECHNOLOGY: Japan’s IHI Corp plans to mass-produce aircraft fuel derived from algae starting as early as 2018, the Nikkei Weekly newspaper reports. It notes that the biofuel is usually derived from corn or sugar cane and, in respect of the former, this has pushed up grain prices. But IHI says it can supply algae-derived fuel that would cost 10% less than existing aviation fuel. Its costs are around 500 yen (about $5) a litre, with plans to manufacture in Southeast Asia or Australia, places with the long hours of sunshine required for photosynthesis.
As the Weekly notes, fuel now accounts for about 40% of a jetliner’s operating costs and this cost is squeezing airlines’ earnings. “The number of aircraft in service around the world is projected to nearly double to some 35,000 during the next 20 years. The growth will put more upward pressure on fuel prices, which are expected to soar,” the paper adds. Industry standards allow jet fuel that is up to 50% biofuel
TECHNOLOGY: Japan’s IHI Corp plans to mass-produce aircraft fuel...
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