ASTM support for new biofuel

Amyris, an industrial bioscience company and energy providers Total have announced their drop-in jet fuel, which contains a 10% mix of renewable farnesane, under a newly revised ASTM standard.

The duo have closely coordinated the release of the fuel with Boeing, who aims to see biofuels account for a 1% share in the total jet fuel supply within 10 years.

The fuel has been measured for its compatibility with the ASTM standard and has several favourable characteristics, including its low freezing point, high thermostability and high net heat of combustion.

Amyris' process involves the manufacture of yeasts that extract sugars from lignin. The direct fermentation of sugar enables a 10% to 15% blend rate.