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News
(Source:
Renewable Energy Magazine - November 19th 2009)
Biofuel / Biomass
Embraer and General Electric
embark on project to evaluate renewable jet fuel
19/11/2009
One of the largest
aircraft manufacturers in the world, the Brazilian
Embraer has signed a memorandum of understanding
with General Electric, and integrated, renewable
products company, Amyris, to evaluate the technical
and sustainability aspects of Amyris’ No Compromise
renewable jet fuel. The initiative is expected to
culminate in a demo flight by early 2012, of an
Embraer E-Jet using GE engines and belonging to Azul
Linhas Aéreas.
This collaboration
combines industry leadership in airframe and engine
manufacturing, a new and committed airline, and
next-generation jet fuel development and production.
The goal is to accelerate the introduction of a
renewable jet fuel that could significantly lower
greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a long-term
sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived jet
fuel.
“Greening the skies
is a rather complex subject and requires broad
industry expertise and commitment,” says Frederico
Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. “The
partnership with top-level players will certainly
represent an important step towards this endeavour.”
Amyris’ renewable
jet fuel is a promising alternative to the
conventional petroleum-derived jet fuel. It is made
from existing sugar cane feedstock, and is
positioned to bring supply security, renewable
content, price stability, and significant reductions
in greenhouse gas emissions to the jet fuel pool.
“This is a great innovating step by the airline
industry in the fight against global warming,” says
David Neeleman, Chairman of the Brazilian airline
Azul.
The new fuel has
already undergone previous testing conducted by the
US Air Force Research Laboratory, Southwest Research
Institute, GE Aviation, and other industry
participants.
“GE is committed to
develop and produce the most fuel efficient and
environmentally friendly jet engines for the
airlines, worldwide,” says Chuck Nugent, General
Manager of GE Aviation Small Commercial Engines.
“However, much additional work is required in other
areas, in order to achieve greener skies. This
partnership reinforces GE’s commitment.”
The Brazilian
government (via Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos –
FINEP) is already contributing funding to Amyris’
renewable jet fuel development program. Brazil has
the world’s largest crop of sugar cane and
associated expertise in ethanol production, which
constitutes important leverage for developing Amyris
renewable jet fuel.
Amyris produces its
renewable fuel using the emerging science of
synthetic biology. By altering the metabolic
pathways of microorganisms, such as yeast, Amyris is
able to engineer “living factories” that transform
sugar into a range of renewable products, including
diesel fuel, jet fuel, and performance chemicals.
“This is a landmark
project for air travel,” said Amyris CEO John Melo.
“It demonstrates that a united industry can usher in
an era of cleaner air travel, while using
sustainable resources.”
For additional
information:
Embraer
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