Aug 10 2010
A recent report from Care2, a social networking website, indicates that universally airlines including British Airways and Continental Airlines are attempting to test plant-derived biofuels manufactured from vegetations such as Camelina and Jatropha in their aircrafts to reduce carbon discharge from jet engines.
The Care2 report indicates that airlines in the USA alone generate around 3% of the total carbon dioxide produced in the country and the use of biofuels is expected to make considerable slump in greenhouse gas emissions. According to Association Press report even 1% of biofuel mix with that of the normal jet fuel by the year 2015 will save 500 to 600 million gallons of jet fuel with corresponding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to non-use of the fossil fuel.
Airline companies such as Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Continental Airlines, and Air New Zealand have tested the use of biofuels such as Jatropha, coconut, Camelina and Babassu a mix derived from algae in their flights. The Air New Zealand tested a blend with 50% biofuel. Care2 reports that biofuel made from Camelina that belongs to plant family of cauliflower and cabbage reduced the greenhouse gas emissions to the level of 80%. While continuous researches are being made to increase the oil yield, steps to maintain continuous and standardized oil yield is yet to be formulated.
Source: http://www.care2.com/