Federal support needed to accelerate biofuels aviation industry

The US Pacific Northwest could be the ideal location in which to create a viable aviation industry, according to a study conducted by Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN) released on 25 May 2011.

The area comprises a variety of feedstocks, sufficient infrastructure and governmental interest which can form a successful industry, but early support in the form of federal mandates is crucial.

The study saw a number of aviation companies and airports partner, including Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Portland International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Spokane International Airport and Washington State University.

'It is critical to the future of aviation that we develop a sustainable supply of aviation biofuels,' says Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Planes. 'Airlines are particularly vulnerable to oil price volatility and the aviation community must address this issue to maintain economic growth and further mitigate the environmental impacts of our industry.'

In a bid to further develop the biofuels aviation sector, the study highlights a number of suitable feedstocks such as oilseeds, forestry and solid waste and algae, in addition to technology options. It also outlines the long-term advantages of establishing biofuels for the aviation industry as soon as possible, in order to increase output capacity within the US.

The project looked at all aspects relating to aviation biofuels, from collecting the biomass and the production process, to transporting the product and its end use within the aircraft. In order to push this industry from the early development stages to an economically competitive one, the study acknowledges that political backing will play a key part.