Civil aviation test the fuel from algae

We've heard a lot about algae which polluted seafood and attracted the ire of local residents. Beyond the negative effect of algae on shellfish, it is used as food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Today, I will talk about the use of algae in biofuel production. Indeed, freshwater algae can produce biomass. The first barrels of fuel made from algae have been produced and it is precisely the aviation industry who decided to test this new type of fuel, which explains my interest in the subject.

EADS, the parent of Airbus, has managed to fly a plane with a fuel derived from 100% algae. It was at the Berlin Airshow. The manufacturer estimated that biofuels could represent up to 30% of jet fuel used by 2030. EADS was very satisfied with the trial and they decided to keep going on in this direction. "It is a world first and a milestone for research at EADS, said Jean Botti, Chief Technical Director responsible for the multinational experience.This open the door for flignts carbon neutral and we will continue our research in this exciting field.”
Ecology has become a major concern for the aviation industry as evidenced by the Green Air Show held at Bourget a few days ago, which I talked about earlier.

The use of algae would be a good alternative to first generation biofuels such as ethanol which reduce the area dedicated to food culture, exacerbating hunger world. EADS said that the production of algae was not a threat to the crop for food because the alga was grown on very poor soils irrigated with unclean water or salt water.

But the challenge is to reach a production of algae at large scale and competitive price as yet, it is more expensive to produce algae oil then fuel made from oil. The aviation industry must innovate in clean fuels.

The way Easy Jet projects "nature friendly" aviation

Currently, we talk a lot about environment, the role of transport and people behaviour in climate change. Despite the fact that I love planes, I am aware of their downsides, especially when it comes to environment. Flight is one of the most polluting forms of transportation, essentially because of noise and air pollution. Despite the decrease of sound energy and fuel consumption, the air traffic keeps growing thus the pollution too.

People debate about wich is more polluting: road or air traffic? Nevermind the answer, both cars and planes are challenged to do better.

Therefore I’m grateful when I see a growing number of companies thinking about environmental issues in their conceptions like Easy Jet. The company is working on eco planes which will launch in 2015. Code-named EcoJet, this unit would be 25% quieter and it would issue up to 50% less CO2 and 75% less NOx than today's most modern aircraft in operation (families 737 and Airbus A320). It’s a good point.

By the way, speaking at the UN’s climate summit in New York, Mr Walsh, the boss of British Airways, said: "International aviation emissions were not included in the Kyoto protocol 12 years ago. Now we have a chance to rectify that omission. Our proposals represent the most environmentally effective and practical means of reducing aviation's carbon impact. They are the best option for the planet and we urge the UN to adopt them."


Is this a communication strategy or a real desire to fight for the environment? The question is in the future commitment of aircraft industry. The increase of air traffic is the challenge for the engineers conceiving large and clean planes for a “nature friendly” aviation.

Good news for the aviation fans who care about ecology, there will be soon The Green Air Show at the museum of Air and Space of Bourget, 18-20 June 2010. This is a great idea to make people aware of the industry’s commitment to environment. It’s a good opportunity to see exhibitions devoted exclusively to technological innovations in aviation: electric motors, hydrogen fuel cells, solar energy, reduction of noise pollution, use of non-polluting paints, sustainable development applied to airports, runways, aircraft villages, lectures and workshops for engineers, researchers and students, educational workshops to explain new technologies to the general public.

Have a good week end!

A. Beladina

Andre Beladina: My passion for aviation

I have developed over the years a genuine passion for aviation. You might find funny for a Lawyer...

Well actually, it all started when I worked for the Chalons Vatry Airport, where I found out more about planes and helicopters.

I decided to study hard in order to get my private pilot’s license which gave me the ability to fly jet planes in the United States. There I earned my ATT professional pilot’s license and a helicopter license as well.

I still maintain a strong interest in this field now that I live in Panama as you will see in my upcoming posts.

Andre Beladina

My first post by Andre Beladina

Hi Everyone,

My name is Andre Beladina, I am a Frenchman living in Panama.

Over the years I have developed a passion for aviation and especially for jet planes which I learned how to pilot in the US.

I also have a my helicopter license and I pilot as often as I can.

This is the starting of this blog: sharing with you fellow aviation fans information and tips about our passion.

Please do not hesitate to share ideas, links and anything you wish with me in the future. I see this blog as an opportunity to discover new things and make new friends.

Best regards,

Andre Beladina