So, what do YOU want to know about biofuels?
January has seen a raft of biofuel test flights – from Air New Zealand, through Continental Airlines and just last week Japan Airlines. As the engineers and fuel experts examine the results of these flights and prepare for even more tests, the industry now must turn its mind to how we move from testing into commercial production of sustainable aviation biofuels.
At the 4th Aviation & Environment Summit, being held in Geneva 31 March and 1 April this year, we will be devoting a significant proportion of the programme to exploring the world of sustainable biofuels for aviation. We will have more information about this exciting and important global event in the coming weeks, but if you would like to know more about it now, the website is live.
But we would also like to know what you think and answer any questions you might have about the development of biofuels for aviation. Do you have concerns about the impact on food supplies, water or land use? Do you want to know how much land biofuels will take to produce? What is the actual CO2 benefit from using biofuels? When will we be able to stop using fossil fuel altogether? Ask away and we will build the answers to your questions into a resource we are developing on aviation biofuels. Simply click on the comments link below, or email me: doddh [at] atag [dot] org.
Posted: February 5th, 2009 under Sustainable biofuel.
Comments
Comment from Donald Ricketts
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:05 am
Do biofuels have a neutral emissions impact on the environment when they burn?
Are there any alternatives to fossil fuels and biofuels? Electricity powered aircraft for example?
Comment from N Djait
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:12 am
In what conditions will the biofuel oil be produced?
What will be the main element?
What about GMO? Deforestation? Monoculture?
It is said that the studies show that ethanol may be even more dangerous for the environment than fossil fuels are. Is that true?
People are dying in some part of the globe because their lands had been takken to produce biofuels. What do you think about that?
Comment from Haldane
Time February 16, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Thank you for all your questions – we will be taking them into consideration as we develop a new Aviation Biofuels Guide over the next month. Check back here to learn more during the Aviation & Environment Summit 2009, 31 March and 1 April 2009 – http://www.enviro.aero/summit
Haldane
Comment from John Macilree
Time February 5, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Does burning biofuel lead to less or the same CO2 and other emissions from aircraft when compared with jet fuel refined from mineral oil?
Is the pursuing biofuel option more about sustainability/security of supply and reduction of jet fuel price that reducing emissions from aviation?
Has any manufacturer/airline committed to an extended flight-test programme rather than well-publicised, one-off events?
What, if any, problems have the initial test flights shown?
How has the recent massive reduction in the price of crude oil impacted on the economics of biofuel options?