Japan develops sunflower-derived jet fuel

Sun Care Fuels, a spin-off from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, aims to partner with airline firms, trading houses and fuel producers to commercialize its sunflower seed-derived jet fuel. The company plans to conduct a test flight over the next three to four years. Sun Care Fuels has formulated a basic process for producing various fuels, using electrolysis and ozone oxidization, from a single type of plant-based oil. The company has filed a global patent application for its method to produce vegetable oil-based jet fuel. It also plans to develop bio-based heating oil, which has strong prospects for growth. New York City is set to impose the use of a blend of 5% biodiesel and 95% heating oil for heating buildings starting in 2008. Biofuels are also expected to see increased use in air transportation. Regulations on carbon dioxide emissions in the aviation industry are due to start in 2011, covering all flights in European Union countries. As a result, airlines are expected to increasingly use biofuel to meet the new rules, as well as improve fuel efficiency. (May 22, 2008)