Boeing, UOP to develop renewable aviation fuel

Boeing announced that it had joined forces with UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, to commission a study on the sustainability of a jet fuel derived from saltwater-based plants known as halophytes. Halophytes are being studied for use as “third-generation” biofuel precursors. The research, to be led by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, was initiated by the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group consortium, an airline-led industry group, focused on accelerating the development and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels. The study aims to uncover the overall potential for sustainable, large-scale production of biofuels made from salicornia bigelovii and saltwater mangroves. Yale University’s School of Forestry & Environmental Studies will also participate in the project. (October 7, 2009)