World’s first study on cleaner aviation fuel

Called the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map, the study aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of a sustainable aviation fuels industry in Australia and New Zealand. The project has been developed in collaboration with the Australasian section of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG)–including Air New Zealand, Boeing, Qantas and Virgin Blue– together with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). The road map will examine the barriers, opportunities and implications of producing bio-derived jet fuels at scale, including: commercial viability; environmental sustainability; and, alternative biomass feedstocks (such as algae and more traditional forest and agricultural products) for producing aviation biofuels in the Australasian climate and region. The study is intended to provide useful input to decision makers in industry and government on strategic policy and future investment, through the release of a public report in September. (April 20, 2010)