Current Biodiesel News

World's first commercial aircraft to be powered partly by biofuel takes flight (2008/2/24)

The world's first commercial aircraft to be powered partly by biofuel flew into controversy as environmental campaigners denounced the inaugural flight as a publicity stunt.

The Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 flew from London Heathrow to Amsterdam, with one of the four main tanks carrying 80% standard jet fuel and a 20% mix of coconut and babassu oil.

Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson said the passenger-less test flight was a "historic" step towards using biofuels on commercial flights, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions.

But he said fully commercial biofuel flights, still a few years away, were likely to use feedstocks such as algae rather than the mix used on the test run.

The fuel was developed in partnership with Boeing, engine maker General Electric, and Imperium Renewables.

Environmental groups say biofuel crops are raising food costs in developing countries, damaging the environment and displacing indigenous local populations.

And they pointed to Sir Richard's calls for a third runway as proof of his lack of environmental credibility.

Source: The Press Association

The governor touted his support for biodiesel and his efforts to increase wind power in Montana and develop new liquid fuels from coal. He also pointed to the efforts of others to develop more ethanol.

"We have enough energy resources and green technology in the United States to enable us to stop relying on foreign dictators to supply us with fuel," Schweitzer said. "Along with a smart strategy in Iraq, our energy independence can make us stronger and safer."

Source: CNN.com